Cancer medical cannabis treatment

There are over 200 different types of cancer, and so, unfortunately, there are a whole host of different symptoms. Some are more specific to the type of cancer, whilst others, like pain, anxiety, and fatigue, are commonly experienced. Recently, an increasing number of patients in the UK have turned to prescribed cannabis-based cancer treatments when traditional approaches have been failing, to help manage their cancer pain and other symptoms.

Contact us

Disclaimer: The availability of consultations for cancer depends on the availability of our specialist doctors. We encourage you to consult with our patient support team to determine if this treatment option is currently available.

1 in 5

Know medical cannabis can be [prescribed] for cancer pain, in certain circumstances.

Over ½

Of those undergoing anticancer treatments experience pain, say the [British Medical Journal].

64%

Decrease in pain after consuming medical cannabis was [reported] in a survey of US medical cannabis patients.

90 seconds

In the UK, every 90 seconds, someone is [diagnosed with cancer]. This amounts to 391,000 new cases each year.

Symptoms

Anxiety

Depression

Excessive tiredness

Fatigue

Heavy night sweats

Unexplained or abnormal bleeding / Bruising

Unexplained pain

Unintentional weight loss

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.

Treatment options:

Because there are so many different types of cancer, there are also a large number of different medications, and drug combinations, that can be prescribed to treat cancer. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are commonly used, but patients may also receive hormone therapy, targeted cancer drugs, immunotherapy drugs or painkillers to treat and manage their symptoms.

Buprenorphine

Codeine

Dihydrocodeine

Fentanyl

Morphine

Oxycodone

Phosphate

Tramadol

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis cancer treatments here
Am I eligible?

Join our growing community of over 35,000 people

Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.

Verified
Maxim’s Journey

Condition Chronic Pain

Subscriber 7 months

Verified
Jess' Journey

Condition Fibromyalgia

Subscriber 7 months

Verified
Chloe's Journey

Condition Endometriosis

Subscriber 6 months

Verified
Daisy's Journey

Condition PTSD

Subscriber 7 months

Verified
Daryl's Journey

Condition Anxiety & Depression

Subscriber 6 months

Verified
Carla's Journey

Condition Endometriosis

Subscriber 8 months

Verified
Wojciech's Journey

Condition Insomnia

Subscriber 7 months

Verified
Brandon's Journey

Condition Anxiety & Depression

Subscriber 5 months

Verified
Hollie's Journey

Condition Chronic Pain & Anxiety

Subscriber 7 months

A word from our specialist

“Whilst in no way a cure for cancer, the versatility of medical cannabis allows it to be a suitable treatment across a whole range of symptoms associated with cancer treatment. From chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting to neuropathy, to radiation burns from radiotherapy among others - medical cannabis has the versatility to supplement the ongoing treatment of symptoms.“

Dr David Tang

Clinic Director

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis cancer treatments here
Am I eligible?

Articles on Cancer pain

25. 08. 2023

A full guide to medical cannabis and cancer

As public interest in medical cannabis continues to grow, so does the number of people intrigued by its potential medical benefits. However, the abundance of information available online can often leave the general public perplexed, even frustrated, particularly when it comes to understanding cannabis as a potential complementary treatment option for cancer.

14. 06. 2024

Men's Health Week 2024: Prostate cancer and potential management strategies

Men’s Health Week is an annual international initiative aimed at providing awareness and education on health issues specific to men. The week serves as an important reminder for men to prioritise their health and well-being while also opening up an avenue of conversation where men can feel comfortable discussing their health concerns without any fear of judgement.

14. 07. 2023

The current research on CBD oil for skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with more than 100,000 diagnoses annually. It kills over 2,500 people each year and leaves thousands more needing extensive and invasive treatments.

Can medical cannabis help cancer pain or other cancer symptoms?

Although research in this area is ongoing, medical cannabis has shown great potential in relieving pain, and it's thought this is because it is able to interact with the part of the brain responsible for pain perception and regulation. 

An analysis of the Canadian Quebec Cannabis Registry found that at 3, 6 and 9 month follow-up appointments patients with cancer pain reported experiencing significant decreases in their average pain intensity, the level of pain interference with daily life, and overall pain severity when using medical cannabis products.

At each follow up, it was also noted that the rate of other medications or opioids these patients were using in combination with medical cannabis consistently fell at each appointment. 

There are other areas in which medical cannabis may potentially offer relief to patients with cancer, like by relieving anxiety and addressing sleep concerns. Cannabis has also demonstrated its potential as an effective anti-sickness treatment, and in the UK the NHS can, but rarely do, prescribe a synthetic cannabis-based medicine called Nabilone to those suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. 

Private medical cannabis clinics like Releaf have more prescribing freedom in the UK, and can legally prescribe whole plant, dried medical cannabis flower, or prescribed cannabis oil to help manage a range of cancer-related symptoms. 

Learn how Releaf works