A groundbreaking study published this week in Frontiers in Oncology found overwhelming evidence supporting the use of medical cannabis to treat cancer symptoms and potentially combat the disease. The research, which analyzed over 10,000 studies on cannabis and cancer, revealed a strong consensus among scientists that cannabis has a positive effect on inflammation, appetite loss, nausea, and even the death of cancer cells.
The study’s lead author, Ryan Castle, aimed to determine the scientific consensus on medical cannabis as a cancer treatment, citing the challenges of conducting research due to marijuana being federally considered an illegal substance. Castle and his team used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the studies, which included observational data on medical cannabis and cancer, as well as lab research.
The results showed that 75% of the studies supported the use of cannabis in treating cancer-related inflammation and appetite loss. Furthermore, the study found evidence suggesting that cannabis can kill cancer cells and stop their spread.
While some experts, like oncologist Donald Abrams, remain skeptical about claims that cannabis can cure cancer, others, including Castle, believe that the combination of pre-clinical evidence and patient-reported outcomes demonstrate its potential as a cancer treatment. Abrams notes that there is limited clinical benefit from cannabis in humans, but acknowledges that it can be useful for managing symptoms.
The study’s findings have sparked hope among advocates for medical cannabis reform, with Castle hoping that the research will encourage the US Drug Enforcement Administration to reclassify cannabis and lift restrictions on clinical research.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/medical-cannabis-cancer-study