Most Cancer Care Providers Think Cannabis Works but Feel Unprepared to Discuss It | Research

The takeaway

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.

Oncology professionals, medical education developers, and cancer patients interested in provider perspectives on cannabis.

89% believe it works; 15% feel prepared

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

Landscape survey of front-line providers in the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network, achieving a 58% response rate (100/171).

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Single-network survey with good response rate but limited generalizability beyond one regional cancer care system.

When this study was published

2026 survey.

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.

Questions still open

What educational formats would most effectively close the knowledge gap? Could standardized cannabis screening in oncology improve both patient care and research participation?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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