THC:CBD oil reduced chemo-induced nausea in a crossover trial of gynecologic cancer patients
In a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, a 1:1 THC:CBD oil significantly reduced nausea scores compared to placebo in gynecologic cancer patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Nausea scores were significantly lower in the THC:CBD extract group (2.11) compared to placebo (2.99). Over half of participants experienced dizziness and sedation as side effects.
Key Numbers
54 patients completed the trial (60 recruited). Mean age 54.4 years, mean BMI 26.5. 59% had advanced cancer. Nausea scores: THC:CBD 2.11 vs. placebo 2.99 (p<0.05). 36/54 reported dizziness and sedation.
How They Did This
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. 54 gynecologic cancer patients received THC:CBD extract oil (1:1) before one chemotherapy cycle and placebo before another. Both groups received standard antiemetic medication. Nausea scores and side effects recorded.
Why This Research Matters
Chemotherapy-induced nausea remains a major quality-of-life issue despite standard antiemetics. This trial provides controlled evidence that cannabinoid supplementation can provide additional relief.
The Bigger Picture
Cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea have a long history, but most evidence comes from older trials with synthetic THC. This trial tests a whole-plant extract with both THC and CBD, reflecting what patients increasingly seek out on their own.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Relatively small sample (54 patients). Single-center trial in Thailand. Crossover design means each patient served as their own control, which is a strength, but carry-over effects are possible. High rate of dizziness/sedation may limit practical use.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would different THC:CBD ratios produce better nausea control with fewer side effects?
- ?How does this compare to synthetic cannabinoids like dronabinol or nabilone?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Nausea scores: 2.11 (THC:CBD) vs. 2.99 (placebo), p<0.05
- Evidence Grade:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover RCT. Small sample and single center limit generalizability, but the design is rigorous.
- Study Age:
- Published 2023. Trial conducted August-November 2022.
- Original Title:
- Oral Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):Cannabinoid (CBD) Cannabis Extract Adjuvant for Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.
- Published In:
- International journal of women's health, 15, 1345-1352 (2023)
- Authors:
- Sukpiriyagul, Apichaya, Chartchaiyarerk, Ratiporn, Tabtipwon, Paluekpon, Smanchat, Buppa, Prommas, Sinart, Bhamarapravatana, Kornkarn, Suwannarurk, Komsun
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04967
Evidence Hierarchy
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups to test cause and effect.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis help with chemo nausea?
This trial found that a 1:1 THC:CBD oil significantly reduced nausea in gynecologic cancer patients receiving moderate-to-high emetogenic chemotherapy, when added to standard anti-nausea medications. The benefit was statistically significant but came with frequent dizziness and sedation.
What side effects did patients experience?
Over half (36 of 54) reported dizziness and sedation. Dry mouth, confusion, anxiety, and palpitations were also reported but at similar rates between the cannabinoid and placebo groups.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04967APA
Sukpiriyagul, Apichaya; Chartchaiyarerk, Ratiporn; Tabtipwon, Paluekpon; Smanchat, Buppa; Prommas, Sinart; Bhamarapravatana, Kornkarn; Suwannarurk, Komsun. (2023). Oral Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):Cannabinoid (CBD) Cannabis Extract Adjuvant for Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.. International journal of women's health, 15, 1345-1352. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S401938
MLA
Sukpiriyagul, Apichaya, et al. "Oral Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):Cannabinoid (CBD) Cannabis Extract Adjuvant for Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.." International journal of women's health, 2023. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S401938
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Oral Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):Cannabinoid (CBD) Cannabis E..." RTHC-04967. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sukpiriyagul-2023-oral-tetrahydrocannabinol-thccannabinoid-cbd
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.