Press Release: Patients finding relief from symptoms associated with cancer in one of the largest studies ever involving medical cannabis treatment

This study, one of the largest on record involving cancer patients and medical cannabis treatment, analyzed data from 6,621 patients enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program between July 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2023. The report draws on patient self-evaluations, patient enrollment data, medical cannabis purchases, and symptom and side-effect ratings at the time of each purchase to describe the experiences of patients certified as having cancer by their health care practitioner.  

Almost half (47.2%) of all patients with moderate to severe vomiting saw an improvement within four months of starting medical cannabis use. Overall, a quarter of patients reported and maintained an improvement.  

Additionally, nearly four in 10 patients with moderate to severe nausea at enrollment experienced improvement in those symptoms within four months of their first cannabis purchase. Nearly that same number (38.2%) of patients with moderate to severe lack of appetite experienced improvement in appetite within four months of their first purchase. 

“These results show great promise in using cannabis for treating the symptoms that occur with cancer and cancer-related treatments,” said Dr. Grace Christensen, OCM senior research analyst. “Even minor relief can improve patients’ quality of life and help them better manage battling the disease.” 

Patient self-evaluations also show 40% of cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe anxiety and 44% of cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe depression at enrollment reported improvement in those symptoms within four months of their first purchase. Roughly three in 10 cancer patients with moderate to severe pain at enrollment experienced improvement in symptoms as well.  

“Cannabis treatment appears relatively safe, and we now have strong observational evidence that many patients report better control of several cancer-related symptoms,” said Dr. Dylan Zylla, oncologist and medical director of the HealthPartners Cancer Research Center. “I recommend starting with a low dose of THC and adjusting up gradually every few days to reduce the risk of side effects.” 

This report examines the experiences of patients with cancer in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program through demographic information, medical cannabis product purchases, benefits experienced from medical cannabis, and adverse side effects. Patients were asked to rate the severity of eight standard symptoms when they enrolled in the program and were asked again at various points of follow-up throughout their time receiving treatment. 

“These are encouraging results for people who are battling cancer,” said OCM Executive Director Eric Taubel. “Governor Walz and the State Legislature have fought to expand access to Minnesota's medical cannabis program while prioritizing the collection of data on its effectiveness at addressing and relieving the symptoms of the conditions and diseases patients are facing.” 

Managed by OCM, the state’s medical cannabis program has more than 90,000 registered medical cannabis patients who use cannabis to manage symptoms of various diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. While most states see a decrease in medical cannabis enrollment following the legalization of adult-use cannabis, Minnesota has seen a steady increase in registered patients. Enrollment in the state’s medical cannabis program has doubled since the Minnesota Legislature made changes, including eliminating patient fees in 2023 and expanding qualifying conditions in 2024.