Cancer patients say cannabis is "highly effective" at reducing their symptoms

A descriptive, cross-sectional study which aimed to identify patterns of use, perceived benefits, and side effects of medical cannabis was conducted among cancer patients in Florida. The results were published online in the Journal of Palliative Medicine in August 2022.

This is the third positive study on cannabis' effectiveness for reducing cancer-related symptoms in the last few months. The other two are here and here.

All patients had been diagnosed with cancer in the past 5 years. An online survey containing questions about dosing, side effects, perceived benefits, and barriers to use was used. 

Sleep, pain, and anxiety were the most common symptoms treated and overall patients reported that medical cannabis was "highly effective".

Cost was the major adverse effect mentioned by the patients. In Florida, medical cannabis is expensive due to very limited competition and extremely high ($375/year) costs to be "certified" by a cannabis specialist as a medical cannabis patient and approved by the state regulators. These costs are NOT covered by any insurance plan in the state. Most states charge less than $150/year for doctor certification.

"Cost was the most frequent barrier reported by participants (42.8%)."

"Participants perceived MMJ [medical marijuana] to be helpful in alleviating cancer symptoms. They held negative perceptions of the way MMJ is implemented and integrated into their oncology treatment plan.

The paper abstract is here at LiebertPub.com