# Cannabis Consumption by Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy and Clinical Outcomes > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-consumption-cancer-immunotherapy-outcomes/ > **Published:** 2021-07-06T15:29:29-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T12:02:18-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore how cannabis consumption cancer immunotherapy impacts clinical outcomes and patient survival in advanced-stage cancer treatment. --- ### Cannabis Consumption Used by Cancer Patients during Immunotherapy Correlates with Poor Clinical Outcome In Summary: Cannabis and its derivatives are widely used by advanced-stage cancer patients to alleviate cancer symptoms as well as treatment side-effects – for example, nausea, anorexia, and pain. However, cannabinoids such as THC and cannabinol – the main active cannabis – have been shown to modulate the body’s immune function. How [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) affects cancer patients’ immune systems in general and their immunotherapy progress in particular, unfortunately, are not well understood. A recent observational study by a group of Israeli oncologists constituted the first indication of the impact of cannabis consumption on immunotherapy cancer treatment. This study showed that cancer patients using cannabis faced a more rapid worsening or metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body) of the tumor and a decreased overall survival compared to nonusers. Nonetheless, the use of cannabis reduced immune-related adverse [side effects](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-intoxication-memory-disruption/) of therapy. In the other direction, the researchers found evidence of alterations that immunotherapy caused to the levels of blood serum endogenous cannabinoids as well. These findings reaffirmed a bidirectional interaction between the body’s [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) – which is the direct target of cannabis – and immune system. Based on these complex interactions, the oncologists didn’t discourage [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) altogether, but strongly warned that its consumption as a palliative treatment in advanced-stage cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy must be carefully monitored. They also tentatively proposed that blood serum endocannabinoids may constitute clinical markers for monitoring cancer immunotherapy treatment, which we currently lack. Although additional studies with more rigorous study design to examine the mechanisms of the above observed effects are crucial before official treatment guidelines can be issued, the authors’ insights and fair caution should certainly be taken into consideration by oncologists. [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Endocannabinoid System Clinical Research: Pain Management Trial](https://cedclinic.com/full-spectrum-cannabis-extract-pain-trial/) Explore [clinical research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-therapies-smoking-cessation/) on the endocannabinoid system's role in [pain management](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-cbg-topicals-for-eczema/), relevant for understanding cannabis effects in cancer care. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/full-spectrum-cannabis-extract-pain-trial/) [Topical Cannabis for AIMSS: Medical Cannabis Evidence-Based Care](https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabinoids-for-aimss-evidence-based-care/) Review evidence-based care using topical cannabis for AIMSS, highlighting therapeutic applications of cannabinoids. [Read Article](https://cedclinic.com/topical-cannabinoids-for-aimss-evidence-based-care/) [Endocannabinoid System Clinical Research: Cannabis Evidence](https://cedclinic.com/full-spectrum-cannabis-extract-pain-trial/) Understand [clinical research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-therapies-smoking-cessation/) on cannabis and the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/), providing insights into therapeutic potentials and risks. [Discover More](https://cedclinic.com/full-spectrum-cannabis-extract-pain-trial/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cannabis%20Consumption%20by%20Cancer%20Patients%20Receiving%20Immunotherapy%20and%20Clinical%20Outcomes&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-consumption-cancer-immunotherapy-outcomes%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-consumption-cancer-immunotherapy-outcomes%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Cannabis%20Consumption%20by%20Cancer%20Patients%20Receiving%20Immunotherapy%20and%20Clinical%20Outcomes%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-consumption-cancer-immunotherapy-outcomes%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).