THC Reduces Chemotherapy Weight Loss in Mice But Doesn't Help Colitis
THC oil significantly reduced weight loss from chemotherapy in mice and increased small intestine length, but had no effect on colitis — suggesting THC may help with chemo side effects through appetite stimulation rather than anti-inflammatory action.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
THC (10-20 mg/kg daily) significantly reduced doxorubicin-induced weight loss and increased small intestine length in mice, but showed no effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression or DSS-induced colitis, suggesting the benefit was likely from appetite stimulation rather than anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Key Numbers
THC doses: 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg daily; significant weight loss reduction in doxorubicin model; increased small intestine length; no cytokine gene expression changes; no effect on DSS colitis model
How They Did This
Preclinical study in C57BL6 mice receiving daily oral THC oil (10 or 20 mg/kg) with either doxorubicin-induced gastrointestinal mucositis or DSS-induced colitis, evaluating weight, intestinal length, histopathology, and gene expression.
Why This Research Matters
Chemotherapy-induced weight loss worsens patient outcomes, and THC's ability to reduce this in an animal model supports ongoing interest in cannabinoids as supportive care during cancer treatment.
The Bigger Picture
This study clarifies that THC's benefit for chemotherapy patients may be limited to appetite and weight maintenance rather than direct anti-inflammatory protection of the gut.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Mouse model may not translate to humans; oral gavage differs from typical human consumption; limited dose range; acute models don't reflect chronic treatment; no direct appetite measurement; specific to doxorubicin and DSS models.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would THC combined with anti-inflammatory cannabinoids like CBD be more effective?
- ?At what point during chemotherapy should THC be initiated?
- ?Does the weight-preservation effect improve chemotherapy tolerance?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Well-controlled preclinical study with clear positive and null results, but mouse models have limited clinical translatability.
- Study Age:
- Published 2026; adds to preclinical literature on THC and chemotherapy side effects.
- Original Title:
- Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol alleviates doxorubicin-induced weight loss but does not affect dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis.
- Published In:
- Journal of cannabis research, 8(1), 23 (2026)
- Authors:
- Johansen, Malene Wiborg, Andersen, Maria C E, Nissen, Thomas, Nexoe, Anders B, Ünsal, Seyda, Madsen, Gunvor I, Möller, Sören, Kjeldsen, Jens, Sorensen, Grith Lykke, Holmskov, Uffe, Husby, Steffen, Rathe, Mathias
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08367
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can THC help with chemotherapy side effects?
In mice, THC significantly reduced weight loss from chemotherapy, likely by stimulating appetite. However, it didn't reduce gut inflammation, suggesting its benefits may be limited to weight maintenance rather than tissue protection.
Does THC help with inflammatory bowel disease?
This study found no effect of THC on colitis in mice, despite previous animal studies suggesting anti-inflammatory potential — highlighting the need for more research before recommending THC for IBD.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08367APA
Johansen, Malene Wiborg; Andersen, Maria C E; Nissen, Thomas; Nexoe, Anders B; Ünsal, Seyda; Madsen, Gunvor I; Möller, Sören; Kjeldsen, Jens; Sorensen, Grith Lykke; Holmskov, Uffe; Husby, Steffen; Rathe, Mathias. (2026). Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol alleviates doxorubicin-induced weight loss but does not affect dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis.. Journal of cannabis research, 8(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-026-00386-z
MLA
Johansen, Malene Wiborg, et al. "Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol alleviates doxorubicin-induced weight loss but does not affect dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis.." Journal of cannabis research, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-026-00386-z
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol alleviates doxorubicin-induced ..." RTHC-08367. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/johansen-2026-delta9tetrahydrocannabinol-alleviates-doxorubicininduced-weight
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.