Researchers have published a wide range of studies in 2026 examining cannabis and cannabinoids in relation to cancer, with findings spanning breast cancer, glioblastoma, lung cancer, leukemia, melanoma, pancreatic cancer and numerous other forms of the disease.
The research ranges from laboratory experiments examining how cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerol (CBG) and other cannabinoids affect cancer cells, to animal models, reviews and studies involving people with cancer.
Much of the Research Remains Preclinical
Much of the research remains preclinical, meaning findings in cells or animals should not be interpreted as evidence that cannabis can treat cancer in humans. However, the volume of research illustrates the breadth of ongoing scientific interest in cannabinoids as potential anticancer agents, treatment adjuncts and tools for managing cancer-related symptoms. As of September 17, The Marijuana Herald has reported on at least 50 cancer-related cannabis and cannabinoid studies published in 2026.
Breast Cancer: CBD, CBDA and THC in Focus
Among the breast cancer studies, researchers found that a cannabis extract containing THC and CBD inhibited estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, including reductions in tumor growth in preclinical models. CBDA, the acidic precursor to CBD, inhibited enzymes associated with the movement and invasiveness of aggressive breast cancer cells. Other studies found that CBD enhanced the activity of an established breast cancer treatment, reducing viability and inducing cell death — including in cell lines that had developed resistance to conventional treatment.
Several studies indicated that CBD acts through multiple molecular pathways rather than a single mechanism. An experimental exosome-based delivery system for oral CBD suppressed the progression of triple-negative breast cancer, one of the more difficult forms to treat. The combination of CBC and CBD also reduced drug-resistant triple-negative breast cancer in both laboratory and animal models. Research published in Communications Biology found that low-dose THC and manipulation of the CB2 receptor reduced aggressive characteristics in breast cancer models while increasing sensitivity to tamoxifen.
Glioblastoma and Other Brain Tumors
For brain tumors, researchers found that CBN and CBG, combined with melatonin, enhanced the effects of chemotherapy against glioblastoma cells. A combination of CBD and an anti-inflammatory medication showed enhanced activity against high-grade glioma models. Studies also found that CBD and THC affected pathways associated with glioblastoma growth and progression, and in a mouse study, inhaled CBD before tumor formation dramatically reduced the subsequent tumor burden.
Lung Cancer: CBD, CBG and CBC
In lung cancer, CBD demonstrated anticancer activity against non-small cell lung cancer, while CBG and CBC reduced cell viability and activated programmed cell death in laboratory experiments. A starch-based delivery system substantially increased CBD absorption while retaining activity against lung cancer cells. The combination of CBD and bevacizumab reduced lung cancer cell growth by more than 50 percent.
Liver, Pancreatic, Bile Duct and Colorectal Cancer
A nanoparticle formulation of CBD inhibited liver tumor growth in preclinical research. CBD, CBG and CBN reduced the viability of bile duct cancer cells, and compounds extracted from cannabis stems — often treated as waste — displayed anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells. CBG activated several forms of cell death in pancreatic cancer cells.
Leukemia, Lymphoma and Skin Cancer
CBD reduced the viability of Burkitt lymphoma cells and affected leukemia cells resistant to imatinib. In T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, CBD reduced CD47 and induced apoptosis through mechanisms involving VDAC-1. For melanoma, a cannabis-derived extract reduced oxidative stress from UVB exposure, and CBD and CBG reduced markers of UVA-related cellular damage in skin cells.
Symptoms, Side Effects and Patient Outcomes
Among studies involving people, a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind trial involving 89 cancer patients reported clinically meaningful symptom improvement in about half of those receiving medical cannabis extracts, including improvements in pain, sleep and anxiety. A large real-world analysis found that people exposed to CBD or CBG after neurotoxic chemotherapy had a substantially lower subsequent risk of being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, although the observational design cannot establish causation.
A federally funded study involving adults with cancer found participants reported using marijuana for pain, sleep, relaxation and emotional regulation, while researchers also identified cost, stigma and inconsistent medical guidance as barriers. Interviews with young adult cancer survivors found many viewed medical marijuana as useful for managing cancer- and treatment-related symptoms.
Source:
50 Cannabis and Cancer Studies Published in 2026 — The Marijuana Herald (Anthony Martinelli)
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