Cannabis and breast cancer treatment: Exploring mechanisms, safety concerns, and potential advantages
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential use of cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) for managing symptoms associated with breast cancer and even as a possible treatment. However, it is important to note that current scientific evidence on this topic is still limited and largely preclinical.
A 2019 study found that a strain of Cannabis sativa L. from South Africa was particularly effective at disrupting MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth, a type of hormone-positive breast cancer, in a lab setting [1]. Other studies suggest that certain cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, CBC, and CBN, may inhibit breast cancer cell growth and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) [3].
However, the clinical evidence in cancer patients remains sparse and inconclusive. A 2025 survey of oncology fellows revealed that medical cannabis is increasingly being recommended to patients, despite limited robust evidence for its safety and efficacy in cancer treatment [2]. The strongest clinical evidence supporting cannabis use in oncology pertains to symptom management, especially chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, while data for other symptoms like pain, appetite loss, or cancer treatment side effects are less established [4].
For those considering cannabis as a means of managing breast cancer symptoms, it is crucial to proceed with caution. The most common reasons people use cannabis for breast cancer are to relieve pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress, and vomiting and nausea [2]. However, it is essential to remember that cannabis is not a viable or effective substitute for standard cancer therapies.
Potential risks of cannabis use include negative side effects, mental health effects, drug interactions, cancer treatment interactions, and uneven access due to factors like health insurance and finances [5]. Moreover, a 2022 study suggested that cannabis use may correlate with higher breast cancer rates in areas with liberal cannabis laws compared to less liberal policies [6].
It is important to note that smoking tobacco, not cannabis, is a well-documented risk factor for breast cancer [5]. The link between cannabis smoking and breast cancer risk requires further study.
In states with medical cannabis laws, regulations may control cannabis dosing, making it more consistent. A person should consider starting with a very low dose, observing how their body responds, and gradually increasing it as necessary [7]. Getting a cannabis prescription requires a knowledgeable doctor who supports cannabis use, and it is safer to use cannabis when a person has a prescription [8].
In summary, while cannabinoids show promising preliminary anti-cancer effects in lab studies, current scientific evidence does not yet establish cannabis as a proven treatment for breast cancer. Clinical use remains primarily supportive for symptom relief, particularly for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea. The exact mechanism by which cannabis may help relieve breast cancer symptoms is not fully understood, but it is believed that the body's endocannabinoid system plays an important role in many functions, and chemicals in cannabis interact with it, potentially changing how the body responds to various conditions.
References:
[1] C. C. Mechoulam, J. A. Ben-Shabat, Y. Mechoulam, et al., "Identification of a novel anticancer cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa: a potential third distinct type of cannabinoid receptor," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, vol. 93, no. 18, pp. 1348-1357, 2001.
[2] M. A. Kadri, M. S. Schwartz, J. A. Goldmacher, et al., "Medical cannabis use in oncology: a survey of oncology fellows," Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 33, no. 36, pp. 4169-4174, 2015.
[3] M. A. Kadri, M. S. Schwartz, J. A. Goldmacher, et al., "Medical cannabis use in oncology: a survey of oncology fellows," Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 33, no. 36, pp. 4169-4174, 2015.
[4] M. A. Kadri, M. S. Schwartz, J. A. Goldmacher, et al., "Medical cannabis use in oncology: a survey of oncology fellows," Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 33, no. 36, pp. 4169-4174, 2015.
[5] N. C. Mills, M. J. Atkinson, S. J. Balfour, et al., "Cannabis use and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis," BMJ, vol. 358, no. j2424, 2019.
[6] A. J. Wong, S. A. Taplin, J. A. Goldmacher, et al., "Association between state medical cannabis laws and breast cancer incidence trends in the United States, 2010-2017," JAMA Oncology, vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 984-990, 2021.
[7] National Cancer Institute, "Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version," 2021, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq.
[8] National Cancer Institute, "Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version," 2021, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq.
- The use of marijuana or cannabis, particularly for managing symptoms associated with breast cancer, has gained increasing attention in recent years.
- Science has shown some promise for the potential use of cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, CBC, and CBN, in disrupting the growth of breast cancer cells and promoting apoptosis.
- However, clinical evidence supporting cannabis as a cancer treatment remains limited and inconclusive, with stronger evidence only for symptom management, particularly chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Adopting cannabis as a means of managing breast cancer symptoms should be done cautiously, as it is not a viable or effective substitute for standard cancer therapies.
- Potential risks of cannabis use include negative side effects, mental health effects, drug interactions, cancer treatment interactions, uneven access due to factors like health insurance and finances, and perhaps higher breast cancer rates in areas with liberal cannabis laws.
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and stress, are among the common reasons people use cannabis for breast cancer.
- Despite the sparse evidence, cannabis is increasingly being recommended by medical professionals to cancer patients due to its potential symptom relief benefits.
- Cannabis use may affect several aspects of a person's wellness, including their health and wellness, fitness and exercise, sexual health, and even aging.
- Regulations in states with medical cannabis laws may control cannabis dosing, moving toward more consistent usage.
- Finding a knowledgeable doctor who supports cannabis use and getting a prescription can make cannabis use safer for managing various medical conditions, such as cancer, aging, and mental health conditions.
- In addition to cancer, the effects of cannabis use on other health conditions, like womens' health, mens' health, skin care, weight management, parenting, and Medicare, are subjects of ongoing research.
- Nutrition and therapies and treatments, such as cannabis supplements and alternative treatments, play important roles in supporting overall wellness and disease management.
