Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting with Medical Cannabis
Chemotherapy is one of the most common and most effective treatments for many forms of cancer. However, it can also have a number of significant and unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting. Roughly 75% of all cancer patients experience these symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can develop in three main forms:
- Acute – where it occurs less than 24 hours following chemotherapy treatment
- Delayed – where it occurs between 1- and 5-days following chemotherapy treatment
- Anticipatory – where unmanaged nausea and vomiting progresses until/prior to the next round of chemotherapy treatment
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can also be linked to a number of secondary symptoms, such as malnutrition, fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.
Cause and treatment
Chemotherapy can put a lot of strain on the body by stimulating hormones and various receptors that can result in vomiting as a defence mechanism. Some chemotherapy drugs being linked to higher risks of inducing nausea and vomiting. These include:
- Cyclophosphamide
- Anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin, epirubicin)
- Dacarbarbazine
- The nitrosourea family (e.g., lomustine,carmustine, streptozotocin)
- Platinum-based chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin)
Extra medications, such as serotonin receptor antagonists, dexamethasone and aprepitant, and other anti-sickness medications, are often prescribed alongside chemotherapy treatments to counteract these side effects.
Medical Cannabis and Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
In cases where first-line treatment options are not effective, medical cannabis may be considered as an alternative treatment. There is some evidence to support the potential of cannabis-based medicines in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and cancer.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)?
Yes. Medical cannabis—especially THC-containingformulations—has shown promise in reducing nausea and vomiting caused bychemotherapy. At Cantourage Clinic, we support cancer patients withcannabis-based treatments when conventional antiemetics are ineffective orpoorly tolerated.
Is medical cannabis legally prescribed for CINV in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, specialist doctors can legallyprescribe medical cannabis for treatment-resistant symptoms like CINV.Cantourage Clinic offers a regulated pathway for eligible cancer patients toaccess safe, clinically supervised cannabis-based care.
How does cannabis work to control nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy?
Cannabinoids such as THC interact with the body’sendocannabinoid system to help regulate nausea signals and calmgastrointestinal responses. Our clinicians select suitable formulations—oftenfast-acting vaporised products or oils—to provide targeted symptom relief.
How do I access medical cannabis for chemotherapy-related nausea at Cantourage Clinic?
Start by booking a consultation with our specialistteam. We’ll assess your treatment history, current symptoms, and response toprevious anti-nausea medications. If appropriate, we’ll prescribe apersonalised cannabis-based plan and offer continuous support during your care.