Does Marijuana Really Relieve Nausea?

Q: I am having a terrible time with nausea and vomiting resulting from my chemotherapy treatments. Is it true that marijuana can help relieve nausea? Are there any risks to trying it?

A: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy treatment. There are a number of medications available to help you with this problem. The trick is finding the one that works best for you.

You did not mention whether your doctor has prescribed any medications to address your nausea. If you are currently taking a medication that does not work for you, your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea (antiemetic) drugs to meet your needs, depending upon your type of chemotherapy, your age, general condition, and other factors. Often, changing your antiemetic may be helpful.

The subject of marijuana use to reduce symptoms of nausea associated with chemotherapy has been covered extensively in the media. In general, there are two forms of marijuana used to treat these symptoms. The first is 9-tetrahydocannabinol (THC), a synthetic form of marijuana that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This form is taken by mouth. It is indicated for those who have nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and who have not responded to standard antiemetic drugs. Research indicates that other antiemetic drugs are more helpful in treating nausea than THC as a first-line treatment.

The second form is marijuana cigarettes. The THC is absorbed into the body more quickly from the smoke than via the oral form. However, it is difficult to determine the effects, due to inconsistencies in the potency of the marijuana and the source.

In general, the National Institutes of Health have concluded that not enough is known about the effectiveness of marijuana in treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatment. Marijuana may negatively effect the lungs and immune system, and the by-products of smoked marijuana may be hazardous to your health. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness, and to study the possible risks associated with marijuana use.

If you are having trouble managing your nausea, your doctor can prescribe drugs or combinations of drugs that will help to relieve your symptoms.

Different medications are used for different types of cancer.

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