# Cannabis stigma and symptom management considerations in cancer survivors: a mixed-methods exploration of patient perspectives

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/medical-marijuana-for-cancer-observational-study/
> **Published:** 2026-10-29T15:47:11-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-10-29T15:47:11-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Researchers investigated what cancer survivors think about using cannabis and whether they worry about being judged for it.

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Purpose This study aims to assess for indications of stigma and attitudes toward cannabis among cancer survivors (CS) who use or consider the use of cannabis. Methods This study employed a convergent, parallel mixed methods design utilizing focus group and questionnaire data to assess the presence of stigma among a sample of CS (n=23) who use (n=10) and do not use (n=13) cannabis to manage symptoms. CS were recruited from a multi-site observational study in the Northeast U.S. region that assesses cannabis use among oncology patients. Results A total of 23 CS participated in this study. In general, this sample appeared to have positive attitudes towards cannabis, as indicated by quantitative results, and most CS felt accepting or neutral about other CS using cannabis, irrespective of whether they used or not. Most CS did not indicate experiences of stigma for cannabis use, did not feel judged by their medical providers, and indicated a feeling of empowerment to do whatever was needed to feel better. However, several CS reported intentional nondisclosure to their providers. Many CS discussed the presence of opioid-related stigma, both perceived from society and internalized, which appeared to play an important role in their symptom-management decision-making. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that while cannabis stigma may not be commonplace for CS, some do experience it. Further, opioid stigma appears to be perceived and intertwined in the decision-making processes for CS in this sample.

 

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), 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).