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Self-Reported Cannabis Use and Symptom Burden Among Patients With Cancer Receiving Palliative Care.
Patricia S Bramati1, Haneen Abdelkhaleq1, Glorymar Lopez Garayua1
1Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Patients with cancer in palliative care who use cannabis products report higher symptom burdens, including pain and anxiety. Universal screening and education are recommended for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Cannabinoid Medicine
Background:
- Growing patient use of cannabis for symptom management.
- Limited research on symptom burden in palliative cancer patients using cannabis.
- Need to understand the relationship between symptom burden and cannabis use in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare symptom burden between palliative cancer patients who use cannabis and those who do not.
- Identify factors associated with self-reported cannabis use in palliative care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Case (cannabis users, n=100) and control (non-users, n=300) groups.
- Data collected: demographics, cancer details, symptoms, performance status, medications.
Main Results:
- 11.14% of patients reported cannabis use.
- Cannabis use associated with higher pain, anxiety, and appetite disturbance.
- Female sex, older age, and Black race linked to lower odds of use.
Conclusions:
- Palliative cancer patients with greater symptom burden are more likely to use cannabis.
- Importance of universal screening for cannabis use in palliative care.
- Need for patient education regarding cannabinoid products.
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