Late last year, the Cancer Pain Subgroup published an expert opinion/consensus guidance on the use of cannabinoids for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with cancer. Continuing their work on cannabis for symptom management in cancer, the subgroup has just published a MASCC guideline on cannabis for psychological symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Research on this topic was found to be limited. While two systematic reviews and 15 RCTs met eligibility criteria, no studies specifically assessing the efficacy of cannabis on psychological outcomes as primary outcomes in cancer patients. The authors concluded that there is no high-quality evidence to recommend the use of cannabis as an intervention for psychological symptoms in patients with cancer until more high-quality research demonstrates benefit.
