Examining the effects of cannabis use in cancer patients during treatment
Official title: Longitudinal assessment of benefits and harms of cannabis use among community-based cancer patients during initial cancer treatment
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10931487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer patients use cannabis and cannabinoids to help with symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety during their early treatment, so we can better understand what works and what doesn’t for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $627,896 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA286821-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently receiving cancer treatment or those who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cannabis and cannabinoids (CAC) are used by cancer patients during their initial treatment phases. It aims to understand both the benefits and potential harms of CAC use, particularly in managing symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety. The study will follow patients over time to gather data on their experiences and how CAC affects their use of standard treatments. By focusing on community-based healthcare settings, the research seeks to provide valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help clarify the role of cannabis in cancer treatment, leading to better-informed decisions for patients and healthcare providers.
How similar studies have gone: While there is some evidence supporting the benefits of cannabis for certain cancer-related symptoms, this research is addressing significant knowledge gaps and is considered novel in its comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Potosky, Arnold L — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Potosky, Arnold L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
-
Terminal cannabinoid CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use
This grant studies how cannabis use and schizophrenia together affect a brain receptor (CB1) and what that could mean for memory and symptoms.
-
Cannabis policies and prenatal cannabis use: how laws affect moms and babies
This grant studies how changes in recreational cannabis laws influence cannabis use during pregnancy and health outcomes for mothers and children.
-
Genetic, Social, and Environmental Factors Shaping Early Cannabis Use in Youth
A study with young people will look at how genes, surroundings, and behavior come together to predict who might start using cannabis early and how to prevent it.
-
Cannabis use and how young adults feel about its effects
This grant helps a researcher study how young adults experience cannabis, including both positive and negative effects, and how these feelings relate to use patterns.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.