1 in 4 Cancer Patients Use Cannabis — Mostly for Sleep, Pain, and Nausea | Research

The takeaway

A survey of 2,602 cancer patients found 24.7% used cannabis, with sleep improvement as the primary reason, and use was 3 times more likely in advanced (Stage 4) cancer and 2.5 times more likely during chemotherapy.

Cancer patients, oncologists, palliative care providers, and medical cannabis researchers

What the researchers found

24.7% of cancer patients used cannabis; primary reason was sleep (56.7%); associated with younger age, Stage 4 cancer (OR=3.28), and concurrent chemotherapy (OR=2.45); 68% smoked/vaped, 60% used edibles, 65%+ used multiple methods.

Why it matters

A quarter of cancer patients are using cannabis without robust clinical evidence guiding them — understanding their patterns and motivations is essential for developing evidence-based oncology guidance.

The numbers in context

2,602 surveyed; 643 (24.7%) used cannabis; sleep: 56.7%; Stage 4 OR=3.28; chemo OR=2.45; 68% smoked/vaped; 60% edibles; 65%+ multiple methods; most spent <$100/month.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 2,602 oncology patients visiting Northern California offices from 2018-2024, with logistic regression analysis of demographics, cancer characteristics, methods, and perceived benefits.

What this study cannot tell us

Single region (Northern California, where cannabis is legal); self-reported use and perceived benefits; no objective outcome measures; non-Hispanic White overrepresentation in users.

How to read the evidence

Large survey with 6-year data collection period and regression analysis, but limited by single-region self-report design without objective outcomes.

When this study was published

Published in 2026 with 2018-2024 data, capturing current cannabis use patterns among cancer patients.

The bigger picture

The finding that sleep, not pain, is the top reason challenges assumptions — and the high rates among Stage 4 and chemotherapy patients suggest cannabis is filling real gaps in supportive care.

Questions still open

Would randomized trials confirm the sleep benefits cancer patients report? Should oncologists routinely screen for cannabis use and provide guidance?

Common questions

How many cancer patients use cannabis?

About 1 in 4 (24.7%) in this Northern California survey. Use was significantly higher among younger patients, those with Stage 4 cancer, and those undergoing chemotherapy.

What do cancer patients use cannabis for?

Sleep improvement was the top reason (56.7%), followed by pain, nausea, and anxiety. Most patients reported perceived symptom improvements and spent less than $100 per month.

Read the original research

Demographics, methods of use, and perceived benefits among patients with cancer who use cannabis.

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 34(3), 197

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Behl, Deepti; D'Andre, Stacy; Hankins, Andrea; Tiet, Kara; Portugal, Jose; Parise, Carol. (2026). Demographics, methods of use, and perceived benefits among patients with cancer who use cannabis.. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 34(3), 197. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-026-10452-0