MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NAUSEA AND VOMITING?
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES: HEALTH CONDITIONS

 

Florida law does not formally recognize chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) as a distinct qualifying condition for medical marijuana;

however, a physician may determine that CINV symptoms are eligible for medical marijuana treatment when present with the qualifying condition of cancer.1

 

WHAT IS CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NAUSEA AND VOMITING?

  • Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses specific medicines to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells.2 During this treatment, patients may experience nausea (the feeling that you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up). This is called chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).2
  • Different treatments are used to control CINV, including specific medications (known as antiemetics), but they may not be enough in certain cases.3

 

 

CAN MEDICAL MARIJUANA HELP WITH CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NAUSEA AND VOMITING SYMPTOMS?

Silhouette of a person with their arms on their stomach to signify stomach pain.

  • Studies suggest that cannabis extracts taken by mouth that contain equal proportions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (chemicals found in cannabis) may help to control CINV, when used together with other antiemetic therapies.3-5
  • There are also FDA-approved medicines made from cannabis or from lab-made versions of cannabis ingredients. These medicines are not the same as medical marijuana. Doctors can prescribe them to help control CINV, along with other anti-nausea medicines.4,6

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I ASK MY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

1. Discuss any prescription medications you are taking, including those for cancer, pain, depression, or autoimmune disorders.
 2. Report and discuss any concerning effects of medical marijuana with your physician.
Tell your provider about any other health problems you have. There are many possible interactions between medical marijuana and diseases, or other substances. Some medicines may need dose adjustments guided by a physician.4 The use of medical marijuana can cause confusion, dizziness, dry mouth and worsen nausea and vomiting symptoms.4,6 Therefore, regular communication with your healthcare provider can assist in identifying risks and side effects.

 

Please note: This document is for informational purposes only, but is not medical or legal advice and should not be used to make healthcare decisions. Please consult your healthcare provider to find out what treatment options are available for you.

 

Sources

1The 2020 Florida Statutes. Title XXIX, Chapter 381, section 381.986: Medical use of marijuana.

2American Cancer Society. Nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/can- cer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/nausea-and-vomiting/caused-by-treatment.html. Accessed March 9, 2026.

3Paul J. Hesketh et al. Antiemetics: ASCO Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol 38, 2782-2797(2020). DOI:10.1200/JCO.20.01296

4Ilana M. Braun et al. Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Adults With Cancer: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol 42, 1575-1593(2024).DOI:10.1200/JCO.23.02596. Accessed February 19, 2026.

5Chow R, Basu A, Kaur J, et al. Efficacy of cannabinoids for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2025;33(3):193. doi:10.1007/s00520-025-09251-w

6Hsu M, Shah A, Jordan A, Gold MS, Hill KP. Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Review. JAMA. 2026;335(4):345–359. doi:10.1001/ja- ma.2025.19433

 

Updated 2026

 

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