A choice experiment with over 1,000 Canadians found that effective symptom management and maintaining daily activities were the most important factors when people considered using cannabis for cancer-related symptoms.
Cancer care policymakers, medical cannabis program designers, oncology researchers
1,089 respondents ranked symptom effectiveness as the top priority for medical cannabis use
What the researchers found
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.
Why it matters
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.
The numbers in context
1,089 respondents; 61.5% had no cancer experience; 35.5% had some cannabis experience. Seven attributes tested across 12 choice sets. Effectiveness and daily functioning ranked highest in attribute importance.
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
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.
How to read the evidence
Well-designed discrete choice experiment with adequate sample size, but measures stated preferences rather than actual behavior.
When this study was published
2026 study conducted post-Canadian legalization (2018)
The bigger picture
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.
Questions still open
- Would preferences differ in people actually undergoing cancer treatment? How do these preference patterns translate into real-world cannabis purchasing and use decisions?
Common questions
What is a discrete choice experiment?
Did people with cancer experience respond differently?
Read the original research
Using a discrete choice experiment to estimate individual preferences to medicate cancer-related symptoms with cannabis.
Journal of cannabis research, 8(1), 30
Citation
McTaggart-Cowan, Helen; Raymakers, Adam J N; Izadi-Najafabadi, Sara; Bentley, Colene. (2026). Using a discrete choice experiment to estimate individual preferences to medicate cancer-related symptoms with cannabis.. Journal of cannabis research, 8(1), 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-026-00392-1
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