Full spectrum hemp CBD/THC for cancer symptom relief
Official title: Cannabis for Palliative Care in Cancer: A Placebo-controlled Randomized Trial of Full Spectrum Hemp-derived CBD/THC
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11162249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $649,881 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284860-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bryan, Angela — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Bryan, Angela
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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.