A Practical Guide for Physicians on Cannabinoids in Medical Practice | Research

The takeaway

A concise clinical review outlined where cannabinoid evidence is strongest (chemotherapy nausea, HIV appetite loss, pain, MS spasticity), warned about recreational harms, and urged physicians to ask patients about cannabinoid use.

Read this if you are a healthcare provider wanting a concise overview of cannabinoids in clinical practice.

Four conditions with demonstrated cannabinoid efficacy; two FDA-approved products; dispensary products remain unregulated.

What the researchers found

This clinical review provided practical guidance for physicians navigating cannabinoid therapeutics. It distinguished between two FDA-approved cannabinoid products (with standardized dosing and safety data) and dispensary-purchased medical marijuana (unregulated, variable concentrations).

The strongest evidence supported cannabinoids for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, poor appetite in advanced HIV, certain pain states, and MS-associated spasticity.

The review emphasized that recreational cannabis use has many known potential serious harms and urged physicians to proactively ask patients about cannabinoid use, regardless of the clinical context. Practical clinical suggestions were included for integrating cannabinoid conversations into routine care.

Why it matters

Many physicians lack training on cannabinoids and are unprepared for patient questions about medical marijuana. This concise review provides the essential clinical framework: where evidence supports use, what the known harms are, and how to approach the conversation with patients.

The numbers in context

Two FDA-approved cannabinoid products at the time of publication. Four conditions with demonstrated efficacy: chemotherapy nausea/vomiting, HIV appetite loss, pain, MS spasticity.

How the study worked

Narrative clinical review published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, providing practical guidance for physicians based on existing evidence.

What this study cannot tell us

Brief review format limits depth of evidence assessment. Published in 2016, before several subsequent regulatory changes and clinical trials. Does not address newer cannabinoid formulations or delivery methods.

How to read the evidence

Moderate evidence from a clinical review synthesizing established evidence, though brief in scope.

When this study was published

Published in 2016. The medical cannabis landscape has expanded significantly since this review.

The bigger picture

As cannabis legalization expands, the gap between patient interest and physician knowledge widens. Reviews like this help bridge that gap by translating research evidence into actionable clinical guidance.

Questions still open

Have additional indications gained sufficient evidence since 2016? How should physicians approach patients using cannabis for conditions without strong evidence? What training should medical schools include about cannabinoids?

Common questions

What does evidence support using cannabinoids for?

As of this 2016 review, the strongest evidence supported cannabinoids for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, poor appetite in advanced HIV, certain pain conditions, and multiple sclerosis spasticity.

Should I tell my doctor I use cannabis?

Yes. This review urges physicians to ask about cannabinoid use and emphasizes that cannabis can interact with other medications and conditions. Open communication allows your doctor to provide safer, more informed care.

Read the original research

Cannabinoids in Medical Practice.

Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 1(1), 38-43

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Strouse, Thomas B. (2016). Cannabinoids in Medical Practice.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 1(1), 38-43. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2015.0010