Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2026
Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
Cannabis Use Among US Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Impacts of Legal Context, Information Sources, and Interactions
Carla J Berg1,2, Darcey M McCready1, Laura C Schubel1,3
1Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Background:
Given the increasing prevalence of young adult (YA) cannabis use and medical cannabis (MC) use, which is particularly relevant to cancer-related symptoms, we examined MC use and related factors among YA cancer survivors (ages 18-39).
Methods:
In 2025, we conducted qualitative interviews with 23 YA survivors reporting past-month cannabis use (Mage=33.65 ± 5.99, 73.9% female, 73.9% White, M = 1.22 ± 1.09 years post-treatment), assessing: implications of cannabis legalization, MC information sources, healthcare provider interactions, and symptoms/conditions MC managed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
During treatment, 56.5% lived in states with MC-only legal and 34.8% fully legal cannabis; at time of interview, 21.7% lived in states with MC-only and 73.9% fully legal. Themes included: (1) importance of legal context in facilitating or impeding MC access/use; (2) reliance on dispensaries, social networks, and personal research/experimentation for MC information; (3) varied experiences communicating with healthcare providers (little communication, provider hesitancy, providers supporting MC use, contradictory information, stigma-related concerns, desiring shared healthcare decision-making); (4) conditions/symptoms managed and effectiveness; (5) hopes future healthcare better incorporates MC; and (6) concerns/cautions about MC use vs. alternatives.
Conclusions:
Findings highlight MC's perceived utility in managing symptoms among YA cancer survivors, alongside fragmented policies/systems impeding evidence-based information or healthcare provider input.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers