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Doctors can use nabilone when chemotherapy sickness does not improve with anti-sickness drugs. Cancer Research UK
Patients had no nausea and vomiting during a chemotherapy cycle in an oral THC/CBD cannabis-extract trial. International Journal of Women's Health
New cases of all cancers combined could occur each year in the UK by 2038–2040, projections suggest. Cancer Research UK
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Overview
Supportive care, alongside your treatment
Cancer Support is about managing symptoms — not treating the cancer itself. Cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy can cause pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, anxiety and poor sleep, all of which can affect quality of life.
Oncology teams use a range of recognised supportive medicines for these symptoms. Cannabis-based medicines already have a place here: nabilone is licensed in the UK to help with chemotherapy-related sickness when standard anti-sickness drugs have not worked.
Where symptoms remain hard to control, a specialist may consider whether other prescription medical cannabis options could help. Our GMC-registered specialists assess each person individually and work alongside your oncology and palliative care teams.
Symptoms
Common cancer-related symptoms
Cancer and its treatment can cause symptoms that affect comfort and daily life. Support focuses on symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor appetite or weight loss
- Fatigue
- Disturbed sleep
- Anxiety or low mood
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Licensed use (nabilone for chemotherapy sickness); developing for pain
Medical cannabis never treats cancer itself. A cannabis-based medicine (nabilone) is licensed for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when standard treatments have not worked, and evidence for cancer pain is developing.
- Medical cannabis does not treat or cure cancer.
- Nabilone is licensed for chemotherapy sickness after standard antiemetics.
- Any role is symptom support alongside your oncology and palliative team.
Conditions
Cancer-related symptoms we can assess
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments and a specialist review. Listing a condition is not a promise that medical cannabis will be prescribed.
Why CannaRelief
What CannaRelief offers
Specialist-led, NICE-aligned assessment from the comfort of home, with your GP kept informed where you wish.
- GMC-registered specialists experienced in symptom management
- Online consultations, with no GP referral required
- NICE-aligned clinical standards and ongoing monitoring
- We work alongside your oncology and palliative care teams
- Private, data-protected care built around your needs
- Seen 7 days a week, from the comfort of home
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Does medical cannabis treat cancer?
No. Medical cannabis is not a treatment for cancer and does not replace cancer treatment. Where appropriate, it may be considered only to help manage symptoms such as pain or nausea alongside your oncology care.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP and oncology team informed where you wish.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Will medical cannabis be prescribed if I am eligible?
Not necessarily. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical assessment by a specialist, and treatment is not suitable for everyone.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment.