A survey of 237 oncologists found 68% believed medical cannabis could benefit cancer patients, but only 23% felt adequately knowledgeable to discuss it and 15% had formal training.
Oncologists, medical educators, cancer patients, and medical cannabis program administrators.
What the researchers found
68% of oncologists believed medical cannabis could benefit patients. 78% had patients ask about it. Only 23% felt knowledgeable enough to discuss it. 15% had formal education on medical cannabis. 45% were comfortable recommending it. Oncologists in legal states were more likely to recommend cannabis.
Why it matters
Cancer patients frequently ask oncologists about cannabis, but most oncologists lack training. This knowledge-practice gap means patients may receive inconsistent or uninformed guidance at a time when evidence-based recommendations are needed most.
The numbers in context
237 oncologists; 68% believe cannabis beneficial; 78% asked by patients; 23% feel knowledgeable; 15% had training; 45% comfortable recommending.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional online survey of 237 oncologists across the United States. Assessed beliefs, knowledge, training, comfort level, and practice patterns regarding medical cannabis.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-selected survey respondents may overrepresent those interested in cannabis. Self-reported knowledge and comfort may not reflect actual counseling quality. No patient outcome data.
How to read the evidence
Reasonable sample size captures a clear knowledge gap, but self-selection bias and self-reported measures limit generalizability.
When this study was published
2025 survey of US oncologists on medical cannabis knowledge and attitudes.
The bigger picture
Medical education has not kept pace with cannabis policy changes. If 78% of oncologists are being asked about cannabis but only 15% have training, the system is failing both clinicians and patients.
Questions still open
- Should medical cannabis education be mandatory in oncology training?
- Do patients get better outcomes when oncologists actively guide cannabis use?
Common questions
Do oncologists recommend cannabis for cancer patients?
Should I ask my oncologist about cannabis?
Read the original research
An international survey on the knowledge, attitudes and clinical patterns of use of medical cannabis for cancer care: The TASMAN study.
European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990), 215, 115158
Citation
Trapani, Dario; Nidhamalddin, Sara J; Gandini, Sara; Filetti, Marco; Altuna, Sara C; Carnevale Schianca, Ambra; Petrillo, Angelica; Murthy, Shilpa M; Girardi, Fabio; Bezuidenhout, Jacques B; El Bairi, Khalid; Lombardi, Pasquale; Khan, Shah Z; Lengyel, Csongor G; Seeber, Andreas; Hussain, Sadaqat; Seid, Fahmi U; Elfaham, Essam; Odhiambo, Andrew O; Coskun, Yakup; Baker, Habeeb S; Chowdhury, Arman R; Genazzani, Armando; Daniele, Gennaro; Porzio, Giampiero; Curigliano, Giuseppe; Giusti, Raffaele. (2025). An international survey on the knowledge, attitudes and clinical patterns of use of medical cannabis for cancer care: The TASMAN study.. European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990), 215, 115158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2024.115158
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