Study: Cannabis Effective for Treating Chemotherapy Side Effects

A study by researchers at Australia’s Chris O’Brien Lifehouse found a 14-25 percent reduction in chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, in patients who used cannabis capsules containing a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio, 9News reports.

The trial involved 80 patients and Associate Professor Peter Grimison, a medical oncologist at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, said an extra “one in 10” had control over their nausea and vomiting compared to placebo. About one in three cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting, despite anti-nausea medications.

“More than four in five patients said they preferred having cannabis despite some side-effects because they had better control of nausea and vomiting.” – Grimison to 9News

About a third of the patients in the study reported side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, or disorientation.

Cannabis is approved for cancer patient use under nearly all state-approved medical cannabis programs.

A study published last year by Minnesota Department of Health researchers at found that cancer patients enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program reported “significant reduction” in the severity of symptoms in the first four months of cannabis treatment, including a 50 percent reduction in the number of patients that experienced vomiting.

A study published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine in 2018 conducted by medical cannabis producer Tikun Olam found 96 percent of cancer patient respondents reported an improvement of their condition through the use of medical cannabis, including reduced nausea.

A Cancer-published study in 2018 also found 24 percent of patients treated at Washington’s Seattle Cancer Care Alliance had used cannabis for both physical and psychological symptoms related to their disease.