The Use of Medical Marijuana in Cancer
Shauna M. Birdsall1 & Timothy C. Birdsall1 & Lucas A. Tims1
# Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016
Abstract The use of medical marijuana in cancer care presents
a dilemma for both patients and physicians. The scientific
evidence is evolving, yet much of the known information
is still insufficient to adequately inform patients as to risks and
benefits. In addition, evidence-based dosing and administration
information on medical marijuana is lacking. Medical
marijuana is now legal, on some level, in 24 states plus the
District of Columbia, yet is not legal on the federal level. This
review addresses the current state of the research, including
potential indications, risks and adverse effects, preliminary
data on anticancer effects, as well as legal and quality issues.
A summary of the clinical trials underway on medical marijuana
in the oncology setting is discussed.
Keywords Marijuana . Cannabis . Cancer .
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol . Delta-9-THC .
Tetrahydrocannabinol . THC . Cannabinoid . Cannabidiol .
CBD . Endocannabinoid . Oncology . Dronabinol .
Nabilone . Nabiximols
Introduction
Twenty years