Cancer treatment has come a long way, but many patients still struggle with symptoms that affect daily life. Roughly 80% of people undergoing cancer treatment, for instance, experience nausea and vomiting, and more than 70% report loss of appetite. Other side effects include trouble sleeping and weight loss.
As research expands, medical cannabis is gaining attention for its role in easing these side effects alongside standard cancer treatment.
At Medicus Cannabus, James O. Hill II, DO, specializes in the benefits of medical cannabis and works with patients navigating cancer treatment to determine whether medical cannabis may be a safe, appropriate addition to their care.
Here are five science-backed ways cannabis may help support patients through cancer treatment.
Pain is one of the most common and distressing cancer symptoms, and remains poorly controlled in an estimated 40% of patients. The active substances in medical cannabis are perhaps most well known for their ability to improve pain.
Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the nervous and immune systems, which play a role in pain modulation. A study published in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care in 2024 found that medical cannabis can help relieve cancer pain and can do so safely.
Researchers also found that adding medical cannabis to cancer treatment regimens reduces the number of medications patients need. Some patients were able to reduce their reliance on opioids, which reduced side effects and dependency.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can persist despite standard anti-nausea medications, and this is an area where medical cannabis has been used for decades. Research continues to support its effectiveness.
Researchers found that medical cannabis provided immediate relief from nausea in more than 96% of patients in the study within one hour.
Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss are common during cancer treatment and are linked to poorer outcomes. The brain produces its own cannabinoids that help regulate appetite and mood, among other things.
The THC in cannabis attaches to cannabinoid brain receptors and flips a switch in neurons that tells your brain you’re hungry. The result is an increase in appetite, according to a review published in Scientific Reports in 2023.
Cannabinoids may help regulate stress responses and sleep cycles through their effects on the endocannabinoid system.
Patients using medical cannabis reported improvements in sleep quality, reduced nighttime awakenings, and lower anxiety, and did so despite other drugs failing, according to this observational study and this clinical outcomes analysis. Better sleep can improve mood, energy, and overall quality of life during treatment.
Some cancer treatments cause nerve damage and inflammation that linger long after therapy ends. This is an area where medical cannabis can also provide some relief.
CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, is shown to have potent anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, according to research published in 2025.
It may reduce inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress, mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. While more large-scale trials are needed, early findings are promising.
Medical cannabis isn’t appropriate for every patient. Dosing, formulation, and cannabinoid balance matter, especially for individuals with complex medical needs.
At Medicus Cannabus, Dr. Hill applies his background in emergency medicine, addiction treatment, and osteopathic care to guide patients safely and responsibly. Each plan is tailored, with close attention to symptom relief, side effects, and overall well-being.
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment and looking for additional symptom support, medical cannabis may be worth exploring. Call Medicus Cannabus or request an appointment online to learn whether it could play a role in your care.
