Has anyone tried cannabis to help with chemo nausea?

@franciekid,, I added your questions to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group. Fellow members @jmb73 @dgruk @markymarkfl @lisag03 @cubgirl1960 @sprinter345 @mgilson and others have mentioned using medical marijuana (cannabis, CBD) to help with chemotherapy treatment side effects, especially nausea and stimulating appetite. They can share their experiences with you.

You might also find the information shared in this related discussion:
- Astrocytoma Grade 3 use of CBD Oil during chemo https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/astrocytoma-grade-3-use-of-cbd-oil-during-chemo/

Many facilities offer guidance on the proper use of medical cannabis to help with cancer symptoms as part of their integrative medicine programs. Francie, have you talked to your oncologist about using medical cannabis to get guidance?

I only went through chemo for a short time but on infusion days and two days following, my nausea was so bad I couldn’t eat or drink at all. I started taking one half of a 10 mg gummy twice per day. It helped so much and I was at least able to eat. My oncologist added Emend to my infusions, but I still needed the gummies. They also helped increase my appetite a bit to where I at least wasn’t sickened at the thought or smell of food.

I was on chemo for 6 months for Pancreatic Ca and gummies helped my nausea substantially. I would take approx 5mg gummies with 1:1 THC and CBD/CBN. I also had Zofran which worked together to help my moderate nausea and to help sleep. THC is good for pain also-the CBD/CBN helps with relaxation and sleep.
Good luck and GOD BLESS!💜💜

Thank you. Yes, I plan to talk to my oncologist about cannabis options.

Don't vape the pot, I think that it is a contributing factor to my problems.

Thanks, cubgirl. Very helpful.

I had just started using CBD for arthritis pain when I had to have Gamma brain surgery. My neuro -surgeon said to bring the CBD with me. After they took the helmet off, I was very nauseous and had a terrible headache. The nurse had me take 2 full vials of CBD and within minutes, the headache and nausea were gone. I was worried about taking so much CBD but the nurse said "you can't OD on CBD." I hope this helps.

One of my oncologists prescribes and highly recommends various THC products for this. Long story short: moderation!!!

I had a really bad chemo day last year, ate a full THC gummie, and wound up in the ER. Weird day to say the least!

I had been doing well w/ CBD (non-psychoactive) gummies for the nausea, but ran out, and ate a full THC gummie instead (first oral THC ever, first cannabis of any kind in 40 years).

I was already dehydrated and wrecked after chemo, and then the psychoactive aspects of the THC kicked in. The dehydration coupled w/ THC dropped my BP so low I started blacking out, my glucose monitor began reporting rapidly dropping levels and then stopped working, and it all started triggering my Afib. So, concerned about a stroke or diabetic coma, we took the cautious route and went to the ER. It was in the middle of the 46-hour period with a Fluorouracil pump hanging around my neck, and COVID rules still in force, so it created a bit of a scene in the ER.

In the end, the medics concluded I was stable after administering 2 bags of fluid IV and letting the high wear off. I was able to go home that night, and slept incredibly well! 🙂

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A side note to consider: Although medical/recreational marijuana (with THC) is legal in many states, it is still illegal at the federal level. If you work in a federally regulated job, marijuana use or possession can get you into trouble. However, you can get an FDA-approved, federally legal prescription for synthetic THC in the form of Dronabinol (Marinol).

If you have an Rx for Dronabinol, then theoretically you have a valid excuse for THC in your system. If an agency runs a detailed enough test on your blood/urine, they would still be able to discern a difference between metabolites of Dronabinol and natural marijuana that could still get you into trouble if it shows the latter. (It would really be dumb and vindictive to throw the book at a cancer patient having a federally legal prescription for using the natural alternative, but that's a topic for another day.)

My understanding is that natural cannabis contains both CBD and THC, and that the CBD can moderate the psychoactive effects (somewhat) of the THC. In comparison, I _think_ the Dronabinol contains less/no CBD, and may thus have a stronger impact on your head. If you go that route, you might find a CBD oil or gummy helps take some edge off the Dronabinol.

I have also read and been told that THC has more impact on nausea than CBD, but don't have the personal experience to confirm it. My nausea during chemo has been mild, and well controlled between CBD, Zofran, occasional steroids, plus my wife's incredible cooking, so I've been able to skip the THC so far (outside that one incident).

Final notes:

1) THC levels listed in unregulated products may vary in accuracy, so impact on the user may be harder to predict. (Same goes for the method of consumption, which is one reason the FDA only approves Dronabinol).

2) CBD products often contain some residual THC, which can show up in a sensitive blood/urine test. If you have job-related restrictions, you may want to take this into account. Having the Dronabinol prescription may serve as a backup excuse for THC in your system, but could also be construed as "intent to use," so weigh all aspects before proceeding. With an Rx and knowledge/blessing of your oncologist, you have a better chance if you're ever challenged.

I have a banana bread made for me by my niece in Vermont (my state sucks and has no medical marijuana)
I take a small bite when I’m feeling queasy. I also have some joints but haven’t smoked yet. I’m only going into my 2nd round of chemo this week, so I may not be of much help.

My friend tried to reduce my symptoms with Marijuana but it wore me out. I felt worse after. I got by with hot (really hot) peppers, ginger, and saltines. Those helped, but I think I liked lemon and ginger tea the best. I was on a test trial of oral chemo daily for small non -operative cancerous tumors primary in an otherwise unremarkable liver. Still alive! TY Mayo!