Synopsis of Evidence for Cannabis in Supporting Chemotherapy Side Effects

Cannabis and its derivatives, particularly cannabinoids like THC and CBD, have been scientifically studied for their ability to alleviate certain side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that cannabinoids can be effective antiemetics, often in patients who do not respond adequately to conventional therapies. For example, a meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2015) found that cannabinoids were more effective than placebo and at least as effective as some standard antiemetics in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

In the United States, two synthetic cannabinoids—dronabinol and nabilone—are FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of CINV when conventional treatments fail. These approvals are based on clinical trial data supporting their efficacy. However, their use may be limited by side effects such as dizziness, dysphoria, and sedation. Smoked or vaporized whole-plant cannabis is less studied in this context, though patient-reported outcomes and some smaller studies suggest some benefit.

Overall, the scientific validation for cannabis-derived substances (particularly synthetic cannabinoids) in managing chemotherapy side effects is strong, though not universal, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of their risks and benefits.