Cannabis and Cancer Research

Claims that “cannabis cures cancer” circulate widely online. The reality is more complex — and far more important — than simple slogans.

For decades, researchers across the world have been investigating cannabinoids (including THC and CBD) and their interaction with cancer-related biological processes. In laboratory and animal studies, cannabinoids have demonstrated a range of effects on cancer cells, including triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis), inhibiting tumour growth, interfering with blood supply to tumours (anti-angiogenesis), and reducing the ability of some cancers to spread.

These findings matter. They show that cannabis is not biologically inert, and that its compounds interact with pathways directly relevant to cancer development.

However, it is essential to be clear:

Cannabis is not a proven cure for cancer in humans.

Most of the research listed on this page is pre-clinical, meaning it was conducted on cancer cells or animal models rather than patients. Human trials are limited, ongoing, and vary significantly depending on cancer type, dosage, formulation, and method of administration. Results seen in the laboratory do not always translate directly to clinical outcomes.

That said, dismissing this body of research outright is equally misleading.

The studies collected here — spanning multiple countries and decades — demonstrate sustained scientific interest in cannabinoids as potential adjunct or supportive agents in cancer treatment, alongside conventional therapies. They also challenge the long-standing narrative that cannabis has no medical relevance beyond symptom relief.

This page exists as a research archive, not as medical advice. Anyone diagnosed with cancer should always consult qualified healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions. Cannabis should never be used as a replacement for evidence-based cancer care.

About the studies below

The following links are peer-reviewed papers examining cannabinoids and cancer-related mechanisms, including tumour growth, cell death, and metastasis. Inclusion here does not imply clinical effectiveness, medical endorsement, or that results observed in laboratory settings apply directly to patients.

Study links are grouped by country to reflect the global nature of this research.

Thanks to Issac Sensi Redeye for compiling this list of studies. Top Job Issac.

GERMANY
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12648025
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19914218
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15026328
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16893424
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15361550
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19889794
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19015962

HUNGARY
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19608284

ISRAEL
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17237277
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11586361
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14692532
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16571653
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18286801
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16250836
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17934890