Black Cancer Patients Were Actually More Comfortable Discussing Cannabis With Doctors Than Expected
In a state without legal cannabis, a survey of 1,003 cancer survivors found no racial disparities in cannabis use or discussions with providers — and Black patients who used cannabis reported the highest comfort levels discussing it, contrary to researchers' expectations.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
No racial differences in cannabis use rates or provider discussions. Black cancer patients who used cannabis reported the greatest comfort discussing it with providers AND the greatest perceived improvement in comfort if cannabis were legalized. Patients who used cannabis were generally more comfortable discussing it than non-users.
Key Numbers
1,003 cancer survivors. Mean age 62.36. 13% Black/African-American. 41% male. No racial differences in cannabis use rates. No racial differences in provider discussion rates. Black cannabis users had highest comfort levels discussing with providers.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey of 1,003 cancer survivors (mean age 62.36, 13% Black/African-American, 41% male) in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace. Weight-adjusted regressions examined racial differences in comfort and discussion of cannabis with providers.
Why This Research Matters
The assumption that Black patients in prohibition states would be less comfortable discussing cannabis — due to disproportionate legal consequences — was not supported. This suggests clinicians should proactively discuss cannabis with all cancer patients regardless of race, even in states without legal access.
The Bigger Picture
Legalization status may matter less for patient-provider communication than assumed. If patients are already comfortable discussing cannabis regardless of legal context and race, the barrier may lie more with providers' willingness to ask than patients' willingness to share.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional single-state survey. Self-selected participants may be more open about cannabis. Only 13% Black representation. Comfort discussing does not mean discussion actually occurred. State-specific legal context limits generalizability.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are providers the actual barrier to cannabis discussions, not patients?
- ?Would proactive provider screening for cannabis use improve cancer symptom management?
- ?Do these findings hold in states with different legal contexts?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Large cross-sectional survey with appropriate statistical methods, but single state and self-selected sample may limit generalizability.
- Study Age:
- Published 2025.
- Original Title:
- Evaluating racial disparities in cancer patient-provider communication about cannabis in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace.
- Published In:
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 33(2), 78 (2025)
- Authors:
- Wedel, Amelia V, Walters, Kyle J, Tomko, Rachel L(11), Rojewski, Alana M, McClure, Erin A
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07930
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Should cancer patients tell their doctor about cannabis use?
Yes — this study found patients who used cannabis were comfortable discussing it, and providers need this information to manage potential drug interactions with cancer treatments. Most patients who use cannabis are willing to discuss it when asked.
Would legalization make patients more open about cannabis?
Black patients in this study perceived the greatest improvement in comfort if cannabis were legalized, suggesting legal reform could further reduce any remaining barriers to open communication.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07930APA
Wedel, Amelia V; Walters, Kyle J; Tomko, Rachel L; Rojewski, Alana M; McClure, Erin A. (2025). Evaluating racial disparities in cancer patient-provider communication about cannabis in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace.. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 33(2), 78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-09131-9
MLA
Wedel, Amelia V, et al. "Evaluating racial disparities in cancer patient-provider communication about cannabis in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace.." Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-09131-9
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Evaluating racial disparities in cancer patient-provider com..." RTHC-07930. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/wedel-2025-evaluating-racial-disparities-in
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.