The Use of Medical Marijuana in Cancer

The use of medical marijuana in cancer care presents a dilemma for both patients and physicians. The scientific evidence is evolving, yet much of the known information is still insufficient to adequately inform patients as to risks and benefits. In addition, evidence-based dosing and administration...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current oncology reports 2016-07, Vol.18 (7), p.40-40, Article 40
Main Authors: Birdsall, Shauna M., Birdsall, Timothy C., Tims, Lucas A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer Pain - drug therapy
Cancer Pain - etiology
Humans
Integrative Care (C Lammersfeld
Medical marijuana
Medical Marijuana - therapeutic use
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neoplasms - complications
Neoplasms - drug therapy
Oncology
Section Editor
Topical Collection on Integrative Care
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:The use of medical marijuana in cancer care presents a dilemma for both patients and physicians. The scientific evidence is evolving, yet much of the known information is still insufficient to adequately inform patients as to risks and benefits. In addition, evidence-based dosing and administration information on medical marijuana is lacking. Medical marijuana is now legal, on some level, in 24 states plus the District of Columbia, yet is not legal on the federal level. This review addresses the current state of the research, including potential indications, risks and adverse effects, preliminary data on anticancer effects, as well as legal and quality issues. A summary of the clinical trials underway on medical marijuana in the oncology setting is discussed.
ISSN:1523-3790
1534-6269
DOI:10.1007/s11912-016-0530-0