Most Cancer Care Providers Think Cannabis Works but Feel Unprepared to Discuss It
Among cancer care providers surveyed, 89% agreed cannabis can manage symptoms effectively, but only 15% considered themselves knowledgeable and only 30% routinely ask patients about use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
A survey of cancer care network providers found 89% agree cannabis can manage cancer symptoms, 54% are sensitive to stigma around cannabis use (57% of their patients feel similarly), only 15% consider themselves knowledgeable, only 30% routinely ask about cannabis use, and 85% want to learn more.
Key Numbers
58% response rate (100/171 providers). 89% agree cannabis can manage symptoms. 30% ask about use. 15% consider themselves knowledgeable. 85% want to learn more. 54% sensitive to stigma.
How They Did This
Landscape survey of front-line providers in the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network, achieving a 58% response rate (100/171).
Why This Research Matters
There is a massive gap between provider belief in cannabis efficacy and their confidence discussing it with patients. This means patients using cannabis during cancer treatment may not be getting guidance from their care teams, creating potential safety risks.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis use among cancer patients increases, the knowledge gap among oncology providers becomes more consequential. This survey provides a baseline for the kind of education and training that cancer care networks need to implement.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single cancer care network in Maine with modest sample size. Self-reported knowledge and attitudes may not reflect actual clinical practice. The 42% non-response rate could introduce bias.
Questions This Raises
- ?What educational formats would most effectively close the knowledge gap?
- ?Could standardized cannabis screening in oncology improve both patient care and research participation?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 89% believe it works; 15% feel prepared
- Evidence Grade:
- Single-network survey with good response rate but limited generalizability beyond one regional cancer care system.
- Study Age:
- 2026 survey.
- Original Title:
- Survey of MaineHealth Cancer Care Network Providers on Cannabis Use: Preparation for Studies Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.
- Published In:
- Journal of Maine Medical Center, 8(1) (2026)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08563
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Do oncologists support medical cannabis?
In this survey, 89% of cancer care providers agreed cannabis can effectively manage symptoms. However, most do not feel prepared to discuss it with patients.
Why don't more doctors ask about cannabis use?
Only 30% routinely ask. Barriers include limited knowledge (only 15% feel knowledgeable), stigma concerns, and lack of formal training on cannabis in oncology.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08563APA
Prescott, Jill M; Saunders, Jamie G; Bradford, Leslie S; Remick, Scot C. (2026). Survey of MaineHealth Cancer Care Network Providers on Cannabis Use: Preparation for Studies Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.. Journal of Maine Medical Center, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.46804/2641-2225.1245
MLA
Prescott, Jill M, et al. "Survey of MaineHealth Cancer Care Network Providers on Cannabis Use: Preparation for Studies Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.." Journal of Maine Medical Center, 2026. https://doi.org/10.46804/2641-2225.1245
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Survey of MaineHealth Cancer Care Network Providers on Canna..." RTHC-08563. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/prescott-2026-survey-of-mainehealth-cancer
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.