Canadian survey finds cancer survivors prioritize symptom relief and daily functioning when considering medical cannabis

Respondents most valued cannabis effectiveness for managing cancer symptoms and the ability to perform everyday activities. They expressed strong disutility for unwanted side effects. Doctor opinions and family attitudes also influenced preferences but were less decisive than symptom control.

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) surveyed 1,089 members of a Canadian research panel. Respondents completed 12 choice sets, each with two health states described by seven attributes (effectiveness, daily functioning, side effects, family opinions, doctor opinions, access, cost) plus an opt-out option. An error-component mixed logit model estimated relative attribute importance.

This is one of the first studies to quantify what the general public actually values when deciding whether to use medical cannabis for cancer. The findings suggest policy should focus on evidence of symptom relief and functional outcomes rather than just access alone.

Post-legalization in Canada, many cancer patients obtain cannabis through non-medical channels. Understanding preferences helps explain why patients may bypass the medical system and what information they need to make informed choices.

Hypothetical choice scenarios may not reflect real-world decisions. Most respondents had no personal cancer experience. Canadian-only sample. The study measured preferences, not actual use or outcomes.