Cancer patients using medical cannabis in Minnesota are reporting significant relief from symptoms like nausea, vomiting and appetite loss, according to a new study from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. The study analyzed data from 6,621 cancer patients enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program between July 2015 and December 2023.
Researchers looked at patient self-evaluations, enrollment data, cannabis purchases and symptom ratings at the time of each purchase. Almost half of all patients with moderate to severe vomiting saw improvement within four months of starting medical cannabis use. Overall, a quarter of patients reported and maintained improvement.
Nearly four in 10 patients with moderate to severe nausea at enrollment experienced improvement within four months of their first cannabis purchase. About the same number of patients with moderate to severe lack of appetite experienced improvement in appetite within four months.
The study also found 40% of cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe anxiety and 44% experiencing moderate to severe depression at enrollment reported improvement within four months. Roughly three in 10 cancer patients with moderate to severe pain at enrollment experienced improvement as well.
“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.”
“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.”
The findings are based on observational data rather than controlled clinical trials. OCM recommends consulting with a medical professional for appropriate dosages before starting medical cannabis treatment.
Minnesota’s medical cannabis program has more than 90,000 registered patients who use cannabis to manage symptoms of various diseases, including cancer, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Enrollment in the state’s medical cannabis program has doubled since the Minnesota Legislature eliminated patient fees in 2023 and expanded qualifying conditions in 2024.
The study reflects data collected over more than eight years of the program’s operation. Patients’ symptom ratings were recorded at the time of each cannabis purchase throughout the study period.
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