Systematic Review Finds Cannabinoids May Help Chemo Nausea but Evidence Against Modern Standards Is Weak | Research

The takeaway

Of 32 studies on cannabinoids for chemo-induced nausea, most showed benefits over older antiemetics or placebo, but only one study compared cannabinoids to modern standard-of-care treatment.

Cancer patients, oncologists, supportive care researchers

Only 1 of 32 studies used modern antiemetic comparators

What the researchers found

Among 32 studies (1,889 patients), 12 of 22 studies found cannabinoids significantly outperformed now-outdated antiemetics, and 8 of 9 placebo-controlled studies showed benefit. However, only one study compared cannabinoids to modern guideline-based therapy (5-HT3 + NK1 antagonists + dexamethasone), and while it showed benefit, it came with cannabinoid side effects.

Why it matters

Cannabinoids are often discussed as a solution for chemo nausea, but most evidence compares them to antiemetics that are no longer standard of care. Against modern three-drug antiemetic regimens, the evidence base is nearly nonexistent.

The numbers in context

32 studies; 1,889 patients; 12/22 beat outdated antiemetics; 8/9 beat placebo; only 1 study compared to modern standard care.

How the study worked

Systematic review of 32 studies from five databases comprising 1,889 cancer patients receiving various cannabinoid-based therapies (oral, approved preparations) for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

What this study cannot tell us

Most comparator studies used antiemetics no longer considered standard of care. Heterogeneous cannabinoid preparations and dosing across studies. Only oral approved preparations were studied, not the diverse cannabis products patients actually use.

How to read the evidence

Systematic review with broad coverage, but the underlying evidence base mostly uses outdated comparators that limit clinical relevance.

When this study was published

2025 publication with search through June 2024

The bigger picture

Cancer patients frequently ask about cannabis for chemo side effects. This review reveals a gap between public perception (cannabis helps with chemo nausea) and the actual evidence base, which mostly predates modern antiemetic protocols that are already quite effective.

Questions still open

Would cannabinoids add benefit when combined with modern three-drug antiemetic regimens?
Are specific cannabinoid formulations more effective for breakthrough nausea after standard antiemetics fail?

Common questions

Do cannabinoids help with chemo-induced nausea?

Most studies show cannabinoids outperform placebo and older antiemetics for chemo nausea. However, only one study compared them to modern standard three-drug regimens, making it unclear whether they add benefit beyond current best practices.

Should cancer patients use cannabis for chemo nausea?

The evidence suggests cannabinoids can reduce chemo nausea, but almost all studies compared them to outdated treatments. The review authors concluded the evidence is insufficient to make a clinical recommendation, especially given side effects.

Read the original research

Cannabinoids for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in oncological therapy: a systematic review.

Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Kemmner, Sarah F; Dörfler, Jennifer; Huebner, Jutta. (2025). Cannabinoids for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in oncological therapy: a systematic review.. Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-025-01876-4