Cannabis products have been studied as potential ways to limit the growth of cancer cells. Despite this, however, cancer patients are using cannabis less than the general population. In a study, researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center looked into this. The researchers took a look at some data gathered about it and found something surprising. Cancer patients were actually less likely to take cannabis than the general public. The most unusual part is that the study gives no reason for why this occurs.

Background

There are potential benefits offered by cannabis that go beyond fighting the proliferation of cancer cells. Cannabis products can help with a number of cancer symptoms, including pain, nausea, and vomiting. That said, even though past researcher have suggest cannabis products to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and tumors, cannabis cannot prevent it entirely or cure it.

Study

The study involved using data from 2013 to 2018 from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health. This assessment involved the researchers using a national survey in order to gather data. The researchers then used that data to notice any patterns when looking at the general public and those diagnosed with cancer.

Results

They found that, of the 19,055 subjects, only nine percent of the cancer survivors admitted to using cannabis. This differed from the 14 percent of the general public that admitted to using it at the same time. The researchers also found that the ones most likely to use cannabis were those suffering from more pain. At the same time, they found lower rates of cannabis use among women, older people, and those with higher incomes and medical insurance.

Discussion

The percentages did not change even after taking multiple factors into account, including age, race, and gender.  Even among those new factors, the numbers didn’t change at the same pace. However, the researchers never fully explore the reasons behind this difference in percentages. 

There are, in fact, a few possible reasons behind this, though researchers would need to explore it fully. The first reason is in regards to the fact that since cancer weakens the immune system. The patients may be worried that cannabis will cause issues in their treatment. Another reason could be that the patients are uncertain as to how effective the use of cannabis would be in their treatment. Additionally, if patients are relying on cannabis as medicine, they may be experiencing blocks from their medical providers. These two reasons will hopefully sort themselves out when researchers continue to investigate the benefits of cannabis.

A final reason could be connected to the legality of cannabis at the examined periods of time. It is possible that many of the people surveyed were in cannabis-free states, but with legislation slowly changing in favor of cannabis legalization, the numbers may be different.

One can only hope that, as researchers continue to look into the benefits of cannabis, its true value will come to light. Additionally, for anyone looking to give cannabis a try when looking for help against this disease, they should speak to their doctor first.

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