Cancer patients are reporting less pain and better sleep following their use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), according to new observational data published in the Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy. The findings are part of growing evidence that medical cannabis can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing treatment or living with chronic pain.
British researchers assessed the use of botanical cannabis and oil extracts in 168 cancer patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Under UK regulations, specialists are allowed to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to cancer patients who have not responded to conventional medications. Researchers evaluated changes in patient-reported outcomes at one, three, and six months to determine how these products affected pain, anxiety, and sleep.
The results were encouraging. The study found that cancer patients’ use of cannabis products was “associated with improvements in all pain-specific PROMs [patient-reported outcome measures] at all follow-up periods.” Participants also reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety, suggesting that CBMPs may play a valuable role in supporting both pain management and mental health for cancer patients. Importantly, the study reported no significant adverse effects from cannabis use, indicating a strong safety profile for these therapies.
The study’s authors concluded: “Initiation of CBMPs is associated with improvements in pain-specific and general health-related quality of life outcomes in CP [cancer pain] patients over six months, with a relatively low incidence of mild-to-moderate AEs [adverse events] and no life-threatening AEs.” They added that while randomized controlled trials and longer observational studies are still needed, these findings can guide the responsible rollout of CBMPs for cancer patients, serving as a valuable pharmacovigilance tool.
Other observational studies in the UK Cannabis Registry have found cannabis products effective for individuals with anxiety, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis. For cancer patients, these findings highlight cannabis as a potential complementary therapy, not only easing pain but also improving emotional well-being and daily functioning.
As access to medical cannabis continues to expand, researchers emphasize the importance of continued data collection and safety monitoring. For cancer patients seeking alternative or supplementary options to manage chronic pain, nausea, or treatment-related symptoms, cannabis-based medicines could offer a promising path forward. With more evidence emerging, policymakers and clinicians may soon view CBMPs as an integral part of holistic care for cancer patients, enhancing both comfort and quality of life.
