Impact of Cannabis Laws on Cancer Pain in Patients
Official title: Impact of State Cannabis Laws on Cancer Pain Management and Outcomes: A mixed-methods study
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11145188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mixed-methods study exploring how state cannabis laws affect cancer pain management and outcomes for adults with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $611,563 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA291990-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced cancer or cancer survivors experiencing cancer-related pain.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cancer-related pain or those not affected by cannabis laws in their state may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If you have cancer and are dealing with pain, this project will look at how medical or recreational cannabis laws in your state might influence the pain relief you use and your treatment experience. Researchers will combine numbers from medical records with in-depth interviews to understand real-world use, safety, and outcomes related to cannabis and opioids. The goal is to clarify how laws shape patient choices and pain control, and to identify opportunities to improve guidance and care. Participation would involve sharing your experiences with pain management and, possibly, your use of cannabis in a clinical context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could inform better pain-management guidelines and policies that support patients like you.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown varying cannabis use among patients and complex interactions with opioid therapy; this study builds on mixed evidence to clarify real-world patterns.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Check, Devon — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Check, Devon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How State Cannabis Laws Affect Cancer Pain Care and Patient Well-being
This project looks at how state laws about cannabis might change how people with cancer manage their pain and how they feel overall.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
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Safe, digitally-enabled cancer pain care for patients and survivors
A nationwide Mayo Clinic-led program tests a digitally-supported, team-based approach to managing cancer pain that may help patients and survivors receive better, safer pain care.
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Safe, comprehensive digital cancer pain care (ASCENT)
A digital care program aims to help adults with advanced cancer get safer, more complete pain treatment.
-
Tech-based pain support for Asian American breast cancer survivors
This project is building an easy-to-use web and mobile program to help Asian American breast cancer survivors with chronic pain and depression get personalized information and coaching.
-
Training healthcare providers to use hypnosis for managing cancer pain
This study is teaching cancer care providers how to use hypnosis to help reduce pain for cancer patients, making their treatment experience more comfortable and improving their overall quality of life.
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.