1 in 4 Cancer Patients Use Cannabis — Mostly for Sleep, Pain, and Nausea
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would randomized trials confirm the sleep benefits cancer patients report?
- ?Should oncologists routinely screen for cannabis use and provide guidance?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Large survey with 6-year data collection period and regression analysis, but limited by single-region self-report design without objective outcomes.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2026 with 2018-2024 data, capturing current cannabis use patterns among cancer patients.
- Original Title:
- Demographics, methods of use, and perceived benefits among patients with cancer who use cannabis.
- Published In:
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 34(3), 197 (2026)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08113
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08113APA
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
MLA
Behl, Deepti, et al. "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, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-026-10452-0
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Demographics, methods of use, and perceived benefits among p..." RTHC-08113. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/behl-2026-demographics-methods-of-use
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.