Medical marijuana in the treatment of cancer-associated symptoms.

This article reviews recent clinical research on medical marijuana’s efficacy and safety in managing cancer-related symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and cachexia. Medical marijuana, derived from Cannabis species and containing compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interacts with the endocannabinoid system to potentially alleviate symptoms. While some studies report reductions in pain and improvements in chemotherapy-induced nausea and appetite, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) often find benefits comparable to placebo, leaving the overall efficacy uncertain. Side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and cognitive impairments have been documented but are generally non-severe when medically supervised. The article concludes that despite promising supportive care potential, more rigorous and uniform clinical trials are needed to establish clear guidelines for medical marijuana use in oncology.