As of this writing, there are 39 states with legal medical cannabis programs. Some state programs are larger than others, but the one thing they all have in common is the similarities between their qualifying conditions lists. Almost all of them allow medical cannabis as a treatment for cancer symptoms. So why is there such a disconnect between cancer patients and their oncologists in this regard?

The disconnect is observed in a couple of ways. First, skeptical doctors are still reluctant to recommend medical cannabis over other treatments. Second, oncologists may not know enough about cannabis to understand its impact on chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatment strategies. And finally, many doctors admit not knowing enough about medical cannabis to have intelligent discussions with their patients.

The ASCO’s Official Position

To get a better handle on the cancer patient-oncologist disconnect, I did some research into the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) position on medical cannabis as a cancer treatment. The organization isn’t unequivocally opposed to medical cannabis, but their official clinical guidelines do state that “cannabis and/or cannabinoid access and use by adults with cancer has outpaced the science supporting their clinical use.”

I’m not surprised given a report from the NIH’s National Cancer Institute highlighting just how profound the patient-oncologist disconnect is. According to their data, an estimated 40% have surveyed oncologists and oncology nurses were comfortable enough with medical cannabis to consult with patience about using it.

The fact that upwards of 60% do not routinely offer medical cannabis guidance says something troubling: it says that patients are left to look into medical cannabis for themselves. They may or may not get accurate information depending on their sources.

Doctors, Pharmacists, and Other Sources

What other sources might cancer patients seek out? I am guessing that depends on the legal status of medical cannabis in their respective states. Take Utah. According to Salt Lake City’s dispensary Beehive Farmacy, cancer patients can consult with qualified medical professionals (QMPs) licensed by the state to recommend medical cannabis and offer guidance.

Beehive Farmacy says that state law requires them to have pharmacy medical providers (PMPs) on-site whenever their doors are open. PMPs are licensed pharmacists with additional training in medical cannabis. Patients can consult with them as well. And in fact, the state encourages them to do so.

Of course, it is likely that a lot of patients look for information online. They read posts like this one. They visit a number of websites with information directly relating to cancer treatment and medical cannabis. Patients probably speak with friends and relatives with cannabis experience.

The Oncologist’s Perspective

Looking at this issue from the oncologist’s perspective raises some interesting questions. For starters, what is the scientific evidence showing that medical cannabis is an effective treatment for cancer related pain, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety? There is some evidence, but not enough to satisfy some oncologists.

There is also the liability question to think about. Remember that cannabis is still a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Oncologists are taking a liability risk should they choose to offer cannabis guidance or an official recommendation. Their liability extends to their medical malpractice insurance as well.

Oncologists Will Come Around

Although I don’t believe oncologists should be fully opposed to medical cannabis, I can certainly understand their reservations. Such reservations are yet another contributing factor to the patient-oncologist disconnect.

At some point, I suspect the disconnect will disappear. The more we learn about medical cannabis as a treatment for cancer symptoms, the more likely oncologists will get fully on board. And when they do, everything will change.