Federal Agency Explores Medical Cannabis for Cancer Pain Relief

Federal Agency Publishes Comprehensive Reports on Cannabis Use and Cancer

A federal government agency has released an extensive series of scientific reports exploring the complex relationship between cannabis use and cancer. Published in a special issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute’s JNCI Monographs, the 14 articles provide critical insights into how cancer patients use cannabis, including their reasons for use, costs, access, and communication with healthcare providers.

The research, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), surveyed cancer patients from 12 cancer centers across the U.S., spanning states with different legal statuses for marijuana use—ranging from fully legal to strictly medical and illegal states. These findings offer a clearer understanding of how cannabis is used by patients undergoing cancer treatment, especially those seeking alternatives to opioids for pain relief.

Cannabis as an Opioid Alternative for Cancer-Related Pain

One key study within the package focuses on cancer patients who use medical marijuana as a substitute for opioids to manage cancer-related pain. Researchers found that many patients are turning to cannabis because they perceive it to be safer, less addictive, and have fewer side effects compared to opioids. Of the participants, 43.4% reported substituting marijuana for opioids, with the majority stating that cannabis is “safer” and less harmful.

Demographic differences were also noted, with Black patients being less likely to use opioids and more inclined to report that cannabis was more effective for pain management compared to their White counterparts.

Patterns of Cannabis Use Across Legal Statuses

One of the NCI-led studies surveyed cancer patients from 2021 to 2022, examining how cannabis use varies depending on the legal status of marijuana in their state. Interestingly, the study found that legal status had only a modest effect on usage. About 34.3% of patients in states where marijuana is fully legal reported using it, compared to 31.5% in medical-only states and 24.7% in states where cannabis remains illegal.

Overall, nearly one-third (32.9%) of cancer patients reported using cannabis, primarily to address cancer-related symptoms such as pain, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes. The most commonly cited benefits included relief from pain, sleep disturbances, stress, and anxiety.

Researchers concluded that cancer patients are using cannabis regardless of the legal status in their state, with most reporting that the benefits outweighed any potential risks.

Cost and Accessibility: A Burden for Some Patients

Another study highlighted the financial burden associated with cannabis use during cancer treatment. On average, patients reported spending $80 per month on cannabis products. Men and individuals over 45 years old were more likely to spend $100 or more per month. Notably, 28% of patients who reduced or stopped using cannabis cited the cost as the primary reason, while 26% mentioned the lack of insurance coverage.

The report emphasized that out-of-pocket expenses related to cannabis use can significantly impact patients, particularly younger individuals and men, who tend to pay higher costs.

Behavioral Patterns and Communication Gaps with Healthcare Providers

The surveys also revealed a gap in communication between cancer patients and their healthcare providers regarding cannabis use. While 72% of healthcare professionals surveyed considered cannabis safe for patients and 57% believed it was beneficial, only 39% felt comfortable advising patients on its use. Additionally, just 13% of healthcare providers felt they were knowledgeable enough to discuss cannabis with their patients.

The surveys found that gummies (33%) and smoking (30%) were the most common methods of consumption, with patients primarily using cannabis for insomnia (46%), pain (41%), and mood issues (39%).

Cannabis Use in Advanced Cancer Stages

Research also uncovered that cancer survivors diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer (stages III and IV) were 63% more likely to consider cannabis use compared to those diagnosed at earlier stages (stages I and II). This suggests that the more severe the diagnosis, the more likely patients are to explore cannabis as a complementary treatment option.

Cannabis and Cancer: More Research Needed

Beyond symptom management, researchers continue to explore the potential of cannabis and its compounds, such as minor cannabinoids, in treating cancer itself. A separate study published earlier this year examined the anticancer properties of lesser-known cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidivarin (CBDV) in blood cancer. These cannabinoids were found to have cytotoxic effects on multiple myeloma cells, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents.

This growing body of research highlights that while cannabis is widely used by cancer patients for symptom management, its potential in directly treating cancer requires further investigation.

Educating Healthcare Providers About Cannabis

One significant takeaway from the reports is the need for better education among healthcare providers on the topic of cannabis use among cancer patients. University of Buffalo psychology professor Rebecca Ashare, the lead author of a study on cannabis and opioid use, stressed that guidelines for cannabis use in cancer treatment have not kept pace with patient behavior.

“Patients are already using cannabis,” Ashare noted, emphasizing that the next step should be educating healthcare providers on how to have informed discussions about cannabis, opioids, and their interactions. This includes acknowledging that some healthcare systems may revoke opioid prescriptions if patients test positive for cannabis, which can lead to patients withholding important information from their providers.

Ashare advocates for open conversations between patients and providers to ensure safe and effective treatment plans.

Federal Research Shines Light on Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients

The Cannabis Use Among Cancer Survivors monograph published by the NCI marks a critical step in addressing the knowledge gaps surrounding cannabis use in cancer treatment. The comprehensive research highlights the growing reliance on cannabis for managing cancer symptoms, the financial burden it places on patients, and the need for improved communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

As cannabis use becomes more common in cancer care, this research underscores the importance of further studies to ensure that both patients and providers have accurate information about its benefits and risks.