Medicinal Cannabis

Although medicinal cannabis has been used successfully as a palliative therapy in patients with cancer, it is still stigmatized because of its illicit scheduling. However, as research on cannabis use in oncology matures and the stigma begins to fall away, more states are allowing for pharmacist oversight of this product, and its legalization continues to spread. Read More ›

Cannabis has been credited as a medicinal plant with benefits ranging from pain and inflammation relief to epileptic seizure reduction to insomnia and anxiety cures, but the evidence is still limited, particularly in the setting of advanced cancer. Read More ›

Patients with cancer are increasingly using cannabinoids (the chemical component of cannabis) to treat many symptoms, and a minority of them even take cannabis as a treatment for the cancer itself. Recent surveys have revealed that up to 25% of patients with cancer take some form of cannabis, but oncologists and other medical providers are often unaware that their patients are using medical (or recreational) cannabis. Read More ›

Oncologists often discuss medical marijuana with their patients, and approximately 50% of them are recommending it as a treatment for cancer-related symptoms. However, many oncologists are unsure about the reasons for their recommendations, and whether marijuana will be an effective treatment, according to the results of a recent survey of oncologists regarding their knowledge, practices, and attitudes about medical marijuana. Read More ›