Legalization of Medical Marijuana: The Impact on Those Living With Cancer & Other Health Conditions

Surveys show that most people in the United States are in favor of legalized marijuana (cannabis) for medical and/or recreational use. As of April 2023, medical marijuana was legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia.^1,2

While medical marijuana is legal in much of the country, the laws that regulate it impact people living with health conditions in different ways.

Does wider access lead to more people using cannabis?

As access to legal cannabis has grown, so has the number of people using it. About 48 million people in the United States reported using cannabis in 2019. There was a 60 percent increase in reported use from 2002 to 2019. And about 10 percent of cannabis users say they treat a medical condition with the drug.³

What can medical marijuana help with?

The most common health conditions studied for medical marijuana use, and the conditions with the most promising findings, include:^4,5

• Chronic pain
• Nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Seizures/epilepsy
• Sleep problems
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Some people living with cancer may choose to medicate with cannabis. But can the drug help with their symptoms? There is no blanket answer. Some might find symptom relief with cannabis use, while others may not.^4,5

Cannabinoids show promise

Research has shown that cannabinoids interact with the body to produce therapeutic effects. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in marijuana. For example, medical marijuana may help relieve the side effects of cancer treatment. These include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Thus, it may improve their overall quality of life.^4,5

In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following cannabis-derived products:^4,5

• Epidiolex® (cannabidiol, or CBD) to treat seizures
• Marinol® and Syndros® (dronabinol, a synthetic THC) to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, as well as loss of appetite and weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS
• Cesamet™ (nabilone, a synthetic substance similar to THC) to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy

The bottom line: More research is needed

Research data and reliable information about cannabis and its effects are still limited. This is partly due to public health messaging and national law.^3-5

More research is needed to uncover how medical marijuana can help with certain medical conditions. And there is plenty of misleading and inaccurate information about medical marijuana online. So, be careful what sources you rely on for your information.⁶

Varying state policies and laws can make things confusing

State guidelines around marijuana differ. And information from official sources is not always based on strong evidence. Cannabis has been approved to treat many health conditions. But the approved conditions vary from state to state. Check with the state you live in to get more accurate information.²

People are left to interpret this mixed messaging on their own. That can be dangerous. Inconsistent policies about the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana can directly impact people with health conditions.⁴

Also, people living with certain health conditions might think that because a substance is legal, it is safe. But there are possible risks linked with cannabis use, including:⁷

• Breathing problems
• Increased heart rate and risk of heart attack
• Regular bouts of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome)
• Increased symptoms of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia
• Increased likelihood of accident or injury
• Lower birth weight of infants, along with developmental and behavioral problems in children, when used by pregnant people
• Development of substance use disorder

Looking ahead

Legalizing marijuana in more states means more access to a potential treatment. For people who do not respond to traditional treatment options, medical marijuana can offer hope. But that access does not guarantee better treatment. Mixed messaging and doctors’ reluctance to discuss cannabis therapy may lead to confusion or unrealistic expectations.³

Research into the medicinal properties of cannabis continues to advance. So, we can expect to see further developments in the field of medical marijuana. These may include new formulations or innovative delivery methods. The future holds promise for even more effective and targeted treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses. If you are living with a health condition and have questions about medical marijuana, talk to your care team.