Medical cannabis use in young adults with cancer: a self-reported survey study

Medical cannabis is increasingly used by young patients with cancer. We aimed to describe the patterns and perceptions of medical cannabis use among young adults with cancer.

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2021 and included patients aged 18-45 from the Department of Oncology at Sheba Medical Center, as well as participants from the Stop-Cancer social platform. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing demographics, disease status, cannabis permit status, use patterns and perceptions.

Of the 605 participants who completed the survey, 250 held an active cannabis permit. Median age was 38 (IQR 33-43); 69% were female. Permit holders were less frequently employed (48% vs 76%, p<0.0001), more likely to report prior cannabis (36% vs 21%, p<0.0001) or tobacco use (39% vs 25%, p=0.0003) and define their cancer as 'active' (38% vs 12%, p<0.0001). Among the 371 cancer survivors, 118 (31%) held active permits. Nearly 60% of permit-holding survivors completed their cancer treatment ≥12 months before the survey, and 40% were at least 2 years from treatment. Of cancer survivors holding a cannabis permit, 69% reported daily cannabis use and 67% consumed cannabis through a smoking route. Cannabis was used primarily for managing sleep disturbances (69%), pain (62%) or mood disorders (42%). 21% of survivors considered reducing cannabis consumption.

Medical cannabis use is prevalent among young adults with cancer, with many continuing to use it during survivorship and after completing cancer treatment. Targeted education on non-smokable forms of cannabis, as well as support for reducing or ceasing cannabis use among young cancer survivors, is needed.