Cancer Depression
Medical cannabis can help to relieve symptoms of depression in those suffering from cancer, which could improve their quality of life during treatment.
Almost 29% of cancer patients surveyed say they experience mental health issues like depression. Initial sadness after diagnosis and ongoing concerns about the future can cause cancer patients to feel that they have little or no control over their life, and to worry about their treatments. Those in palliative care for cancer may also experience depression due to an end-of-life diagnosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression in cancer patients often include significant weight changes, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, poor cognition and concentration, and sometimes thoughts about death.
Treatments
For those undergoing cancer treatments who may be experiencing depression, there are a number of options to support you through this difficult time. These include lifestyle changes, talking therapies and antidepressant medications.
Medical cannabis could also be appropriate to manage depression symptoms in a natural way during cancer treatment, and studies support its potential for use as a treatment for depression.
3.1
A 2024 study found the severity of depression decreased from 6.9 to 3.8 points in 18 weeks of medical cannabis use
74
A 2022 study on 74 patients with a diagnosis of head/neck cancer reported medical cannabis significantly decreased their depression scores
71%
A 2022 study found 71% of participants saw improvements in sleep (commonly affected by depression) after using medical cannabis
1 month
A 2022 study of 129 patients treated with medical cannabis found improvements in depression and sleep quality after 1 month
Get high quality medicinal cannabis fromthe doctor to your door.
Word from our expert
Dr Sunil Arora Chief Medical Officer
Living with cancer pain and the emotional challenges of a diagnosis can be overwhelming.
While sadness is a natural response to cancer, it can sometimes deepen into depression when compounded by other life struggles.
Medical cannabis offers a compassionate, natural way to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and support emotional well-being. It may help alleviate discomfort and ease the weight of emotional distress, offering relief when traditional treatments fall short.
At Emerald, our expert team is here to create a personalised treatment plan that helps you regain comfort, clarity, and balance in your life.
