The study, led by Dr. Samir Gupta, a professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, analyzed medical records from the National Inpatient Sample, the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient healthcare database in the United States. Researchers identified patients with colorectal cancer and examined their outcomes in relation to their reported cannabis use.
Among the cohort, approximately 4,000 individuals were identified as heavy cannabis users, defined as having a cannabis use disorder — a clinical diagnosis involving problematic use that interferes with daily functioning. Alarmingly, the data revealed that these patients had a 25% increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared to their non-using counterparts.
While the research did not establish a direct causal relationship, the correlation was significant enough to warrant further investigation. The team controlled for numerous variables, including age, gender, race, insurance status, comorbid conditions, and hospital characteristics. Still, the elevated risk remained consistent.
Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of approaching these findings with balance. “Cannabis may have potential therapeutic benefits, but in this patient population, heavy use appears to be associated with worse outcomes,” he noted. He also stressed that patients undergoing cancer treatment should be candid with their healthcare providers about their cannabis use.
The researchers acknowledged that the mechanisms underlying the observed increase in mortality remain unclear. It is possible that cannabis interferes with treatment adherence, affects immune system function, or interacts with medications used in cancer therapy. Behavioral factors, such as lifestyle choices or other substance use, may also play a role.
With cannabis use rising nationally — and particularly among individuals with chronic illnesses — the study serves as a timely reminder of the need for more rigorous research on how cannabis impacts cancer progression and survival. It also highlights the urgency for clinicians to discuss cannabis use openly and nonjudgmentally with their patients.
As cannabis becomes more widely accepted both socially and medically, understanding its full range of effects — especially in vulnerable populations like cancer patients — is critical. This study adds an important piece to the puzzle and sets the stage for future research aimed at optimizing care and outcomes for those facing colorectal cancer.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
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