Full spectrum hemp CBD/THC for cancer symptom relief

Cannabis for Palliative Care in Cancer: A Placebo-controlled Randomized Trial of Full Spectrum Hemp-derived CBD/THC

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-11162249

This study tests whether a full-spectrum hemp product containing CBD and THC can help people with cancer reduce pain, sleep problems, and anxiety.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11162249 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be randomly assigned to receive either a full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD/THC product or a placebo and followed over time. The research team will track symptoms such as pain intensity and interference, sleep quality, and anxiety, and will monitor thinking and memory for possible side effects. The study compares effects of products with differing CBD and THC content to see whether CBD lessens THC-related cognitive problems. Visits will likely include symptom questionnaires, brief cognitive testing, and safety checks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with cancer or cancer survivors who are experiencing pain, sleep disturbance, or anxiety and are willing to try hemp-derived CBD/THC would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant, have contraindications to cannabinoids, strongly prefer not to use cannabis products, or have conditions that make cannabinoid use unsafe may not benefit from enrolling.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a safer option to relieve cancer-related pain, sleep problems, and anxiety and might reduce reliance on opioids and other medications.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies and reviews report mixed but promising benefits of cannabis for pain, sleep, and anxiety while also noting THC-related short-term cognitive effects and the possibility that CBD may reduce some harms.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions American Cancer SocietyCancer PatientCancer SurvivorCancer TreatmentCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.