Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Patients With Cancer

To review pharmacology, available dosage forms, efficacy, and safety of cannabis and cannabinoids in cancer patients.

In PubMed (1965 to June 2020) the search was conducted using the search terms cannabidiol, cannabis, CBD, dronabinol, endocannabinoids, medical marijuana, nabiximols, nabilone, THC, and cancer. Abstracts from article bibliographies were reviewed.

Relevant English-language studies conducted in humans evaluating cannabis and cannabinoids for cancer treatment or related symptoms were considered. Reference lists in relevant articles, package inserts, guidance documents, and addditional articles evaluating cannabis and cannabinoids were identified.

Cannabis and cannabinoid effectiveness can be attributed to active components delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Multiple dosage forms exist, each with different properties contributing to efficacy and safety differences. No data supports use as anticancer agents, and mixed efficacy results have been reported when used in cancer patients with nausea, pain, and anorexia. Inclusion of medicinal and synthetic products, small sample sizes, varying patient populations, and different dosage forms, doses, and drug combinations. These products are well tolerated, and adverse effects depend on the main active component.

Healthcare professionals need to identify appropriateness, monitor, and document use of cannabis and cannabinoids similar to other drug therapies as well as educate the patients/ caregivers about potential benefits and risks.

Current evidence for use of medical cannabis and cannabinoids in cancer patients is weak. However, healthcare professionals are in an ideal role to monitor and educate patients using medical cannabis and cannabinoids.