Cannabis Stigma and Symptom Management Considerations in Cancer Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Patient Perspectives

Authors

• Sera Levy
• Salimah Meghani
• Brooke Worster, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
• Colleen Kilanowski
• Danielle Smith
• Amy A. Case
• Rebecca L. Ashare

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-13-2026

Comments

This article is the author's final published version in Supportive Care in Cancer, Volume 34, Issue 4, 2026, Article number 313.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-026-10523-2. Copyright © The Author(s) 2026.

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess for indications of stigma and attitudes toward cannabis among cancer survivors (CS) who use or consider the use of cannabis.

METHODS: This study employed a convergent, parallel mixed methods design utilizing focus group and questionnaire data to assess the presence of stigma among a sample of CS (n = 23) who use (n = 10) and do not use (n = 13) cannabis to manage symptoms. CS were recruited from a multi-site observational study in the Northeast U.S. region that assesses cannabis use among oncology patients.

RESULTS: A total of 23 CS participated in this study. In general, this sample appeared to have positive attitudes towards cannabis, as indicated by quantitative results, and most CS felt accepting or neutral about other CS using cannabis, irrespective of whether they used or not. Most CS did not indicate experiences of stigma for cannabis use, did not feel judged by their medical providers, and indicated a feeling of empowerment to do whatever was needed to feel better. However, several CS reported intentional nondisclosure to their providers. Many CS discussed the presence of opioid-related stigma, both perceived from society and internalized, which appeared to play an important role in their symptom-management decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study suggest that while cannabis stigma may not be commonplace for CS, some do experience it. Further, opioid stigma appears to be perceived and intertwined in the decision-making processes for CS in this sample.

Recommended Citation

Levy, Sera; Meghani, Salimah; Worster, Brooke; Kilanowski, Colleen; Smith, Danielle; Case, Amy A.; and Ashare, Rebecca L., "Cannabis Stigma and Symptom Management Considerations in Cancer Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Patient Perspectives" (2026). Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers. Paper 332.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/medoncfp/332

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

PubMed ID

41820694

Language

English