Which Cannabis Strains Are Best For Patients With Cancer?

By: Matthew Morrow

Cancer is one of the select few indications for which most doctors will prescribe medical marijuana without resistance.

In fact, only two federally approved uses of THC products currently exist: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting for patients battling cancer and AIDS-related weight loss.

Most state authorities additionally list cancer as a routine indication for a medical marijuana prescription.

It’s clear that experts and legislators agree that patients with cancer must benefit from cannabis products, but how exactly are they helpful for this population?

Here we take a look at the role of cannabis in the holistic care of patients with cancer, and dive into which strains might maximize the benefits these patients get from using cannabis products.

How is cannabis helpful for patients with cancer?

The American Cancer Society firmly presents the case for cannabis on their website, ultimately concluding that more research on the possible benefits and harms are needed.

Despite this ambiguity, they provide a clear rationale for the possible benefits of cannabis for patients with cancer, including reducing nausea and vomiting, treating nerve-related pain, and improving food intake.

More interestingly, recent evidence has illuminated a possible role of THC and CBD in slowing growth in certain types of cancer cells, and even preventing the spread of some forms of cancer.

As for negative side effects, these are typically controlled by appropriate dosing and administration (e.g. how long the user inhales,) but can include dry mouth, disorientation, lightheadedness, and paranoia.

Future research is currently being planned to further test cannabis products on humans, but for now the consensus remains that cannabis is pretty safe to use in these patients.

The National Cancer Institute’s website cites a 2016 study which found that of the relatively limited sample of patients they surveyed, about 25% of patients considered themselves active cannabis users.

Patients equally used inhaled and edible products, with use of both types of products being the most common response.

The patients’ reasons for use included physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite (75%), neuropsychiatric symptoms (63%), recreational use/enjoyment (35%), and treatment of cancer (26%).

Evidence has additionally shown that the amount of physical symptom relief that individual patients get from cannabis use might depend on the specific chemotherapy agent(s) they are prescribed.

In terms of mental health, smaller studies have shown that cannabis use overall resulted in improved mood, improved sense of general well-being, less anxiety, less feelings of being tired, and more appetite.

With so many strains and dosing options available, it’s hard to predict how each patient’s experience will go.

A deeper understanding of the effects profile of each strain could really go a long way for improving the experience of patients looking for relief from specific symptoms.

A simple review of the aforementioned survey responses about why patients use cannabis products is enough to begin narrowing down which strains might be best for this population.

For example, the survey reports that 75% of patients were looking for pain/nausea/appetite control, 63% were looking for mood control, and only 35% were looking for the recreational psychoactive effects.

Based on this alone, you might deduce that patients with cancer are looking for a relaxing strain with mild euphoria, a clear head, appetite stimulation or nausea reduction, and moderate pain control.

That’s not to say that all patients with cancer inherently dislike the psychoactive effects produced by certain cannabis strains.

However, it’s well known that many chemotherapy agents already cause unfavorable brain fog (i.e “chemo brain”), thus many patients value having a clear head and energy so as to retain as much of their baseline function as possible.

Best cannabis strains for patients with cancer

Let’s break down the best strains in an organized manner, emphasizing the fact that the principal reason which patients with cancer use cannabis is to control their symptoms.

Below you’ll find an evaluation of each of our recommended strains based on their ability to address these patients’ cancer-related symptoms: Pain, Appetite, Nausea, Fatigue, Anxiety, Mood, and Brain Fog.

Charlotte’s Web

This nationally acclaimed hybrid strain was named in honor of a patient with a rare seizure disorder (Dravet Syndrome,) due to its ability to treat her seizures.

The honey-flavored, piney-smelling strain has a high ratio of CBD:THC (around 30:1,) which is how it derives its medical utility (synthetic CBD is now federally approved to treat Dravet Syndrome.)

For our patients with cancer, the low THC content (<1%) means there is little to no psychoactive effect and no worsening of brain fog.

What Charlotte’s Web does offer is a moderate relaxing, peaceful effect coupled with a reduction in systemic pain and inflammation.

This strain is likely to leave you feeling relaxed with an uplifted mood and increased appetite, while also leaving you thinking clearly without excess sleepiness.

ACDC

ACDC is a hybrid strain whose lineage traces back to Spain and boasts high ratios of CBD:THC (around 20:1.) This earthy-tasting strain has a fairly low THC content (around 1%) allowing for minimal psychoactive effects or worsening of brain fog.

Patients with cancer who try ACDC may enjoy mild to moderate pain relief, mild appetite stimulation, and moderate anxiety reduction.

This strain is a good option for those looking for overall symptom control coupled with a relaxed, boosted mood (without the feeling of being “high.”)

Northern Lights

This indica strain is championed as one of the best strains of its kind and is thought to have origins in the Middle East and Asia.

This flowery and sweet tasting strain offers a high THC content and low CBD content, making it suitable for patients with unique symptomatic needs.

Northern Lights is known to provide a moderate to strong reduction in the discomfort associated with nausea and also provides an appetite boost.

Patients with cancer who are experiencing persistent chemo-related nausea and vomiting may benefit from this strain but should be aware of the potentially stronger psychoactive effects such as fatigue, sleepiness, and lightheadedness.

Northern Lights would be best for those patients who need significant symptomatic relief from nausea.

Harlequin

This sativa-dominant hybrid strain is known for its well-balanced, equal ratios of CBD:THC whose roots are grounded cross-continentally, as it is a cross between strains hailed from Nepal, Thailand, Switzerland, and Columbia.

Harlequin offers mild to moderate pain relief coupled with a subtle euphoric effect. Patients with cancer trying this strain would enjoy elevated moods without any feelings of fatigue or lightheadedness.

This strain is well-rounded in its composition and effects, so patients may find adequate symptom control and an improved mood that suits daytime or regular use.

Harlequin would work best for patients looking for a balanced strain profile and who do not need appetite stimulation or nausea control.

Blueberry OG (also called Blueberry Kush)

This hybrid, blueberry-tasting strain is a balanced crossover of two infamous strains, resulting in an effect profile that can be categorized as a moderate indica.

Known for both its sweet citrus flavor and earthy profile, this versatile strain provides users with anxiety relief, moderate euphoria, and appetite stimulation.

Patients with cancer who try Blueberry OG/Kush will find well-rounded symptom control, as it has been known to have visceral effects (think improved nausea and appetite,) pain relief, and elevates mood.

This strain would work best for patients who are looking to relax and reduce their anxiety, but would also benefit from overall symptom control.

Disclaimer: It is always best to check in with your personal medical provider before initiating the use of cannabis products. The information on this page does not represent medical advice.

Matthew Morrow is a writer who focuses on health and wellness.