• A new study revealed medical cannabis may play a significant role in cancer treatment for symptom management and its effects. Researchers analyzed over 10,000 studies and found strong support for cannabis’ therapeutic benefits.
• Despite strong evidence backing cannabis use, research has been hindered by the substance’s federal classification as a Schedule I narcotic.
• The study found patient-reported outcomes were largely positive.

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A newly published study is offering a broader look at how medical cannabis may contribute to cancer treatment, not only for symptom relief but potentially as part of a more therapeutic approach as well. Researchers said the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance under federal law has hindered scientific research for decades.

Marijuana Moment reported on April 10 that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) notified an agency judge that the marijuana rescheduling process is still on hold.

DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney temporarily paused hearings on a proposal sought by the Biden administration that would move cannabis to Schedule III, according to the outlet.

At least 39 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized medical marijuana.

Analysis of medical cannabis outcomes

To address what they described as a fragmented body of literature, the research team conducted one of the most comprehensive analyses to date. They examined more than 10,000 peer-reviewed studies, including nearly 40,000 individual data points. The findings were published Monday, April 14 in the scientific journal “Frontiers in Oncology.”

“In order to move beyond bias — conscious or not — it was essential to use a large-scale, radically inclusive methodology based on mathematical reasoning,” Ryan Castle, research director at Whole Health Oncology Institute and the lead author of the study, told The Guardian.

The study found strong overall scientific support for the use of cannabis in cancer care. Positive sentiment toward its use was shown to be more than 30 times stronger than opposition.

According to researchers, the data supported cannabis as an effective tool in managing common cancer-related symptoms such as pain, nausea and appetite loss.

The study noted that anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to cannabis’s cancer-fighting abilities.

Authors of the study say there is a growing consensus in the medical community regarding cannabis’ therapeutic value. They argue that the findings should prompt reconsideration of cannabis as a treatment option.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved cannabis for the treatment of medical conditions.

Can cannabis be effective in cancer treatment?

Recent research has shifted toward examining whether cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, could also play a role in slowing or stopping tumor growth. Preclinical studies cited in the analysis showed cannabinoids can inhibit tumor development and cause cancer cells to die. 

Patient outcomes from the data set suggest some symptom relief. Research from the study indicated 70 to 90% of cannabis users reported improvement in their cancer symptoms. Less than 5% experienced adverse effects.

Researchers cautioned outcomes may differ based on individual factors. Scientists behind the study called for expanded clinical trials to better understand cannabis’ full therapeutic potential in oncology and to resolve existing knowledge gaps.