Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, often bringing with it a whirlwind of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. As a cancer surgeon deeply involved in the care of patients undergoing complex surgeries, I constantly seek better ways to relieve patient suffering, improve outcomes, and bridge gaps in understanding new therapeutic options. One such emerging field is medical cannabis — a subject where modern evidence and traditional wisdom are finding common ground.
A recently published landmark meta-analysis (Castle et al., Frontiers in Oncology, 2025) analyzed over 10,000 scientific studies related to cannabis use in cancer. The results were remarkable: support for medical cannabis was found to be 31 times stronger than opposition, particularly for its roles in pain relief, nausea control, appetite improvement, and even potential anticancer properties.
This powerful scientific consensus now challenges us in the medical fraternity to rethink, re-evaluate, and responsibly introduce cannabis-based therapies as adjuncts in cancer treatment.
Historically labeled and misunderstood due to its psychoactive associations, cannabis has been used in medicine for thousands of years. Modern research shows that compounds like THC and CBD interact with the body's own endocannabinoid system, offering relief from pain, nausea, anxiety, and loss of appetite — common struggles faced by cancer patients.
Importantly, newer studies also hint at the direct anticancer effects of cannabinoids: promoting cancer cell death (apoptosis), reducing tumor growth, and modulating inflammation — though this aspect still needs rigorous clinical trials before becoming a standard part of cancer treatment protocols.
As a surgeon, I view cannabis not as a replacement for surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, but as a supportive ally — helping patients endure the journey better, improving quality of life alongside traditional treatments.
To present a holistic view, I reached out to esteemed Ayurvedic experts who have dedicated their lives to studying natural healing:
Dr. Ashwani Gupta, Gold Medalist Ayurvedic Physician at Gupta Hospital, Haibowal Kalan, shares:
"In Ayurveda, cannabis (Vijaya) has been described in ancient texts as a powerful herb when used appropriately. It was traditionally used for pain management, digestive stimulation, and mental relaxation. However, strict guidelines were laid out to prevent misuse. Modern science is now validating what Ayurveda has always taught — that in controlled doses, cannabis can be a boon, especially for cancer sufferers."
Similarly, Dr. Parminder Moudgil, renowned Ayurvedic scholar and author, notes:
"Ayurveda views disease not just as a physical ailment, but as a disturbance of the body's energies (Doshas). Cannabis, when purified and used judiciously, can balance Vata disturbances, which are often aggravated in conditions like cancer, leading to pain, wasting, and anxiety. Integration of cannabis in cancer care must respect both modern dosing standards and Ayurvedic principles of personalization."
Their insights reveal that the ancient Indian system of medicine had recognized the duality of cannabis — as a powerful healer when used rightly and a potential toxin when misused.
Responsible Integration Is the Way Forward
The excitement around medical cannabis must not blind us to the need for responsibility and caution. Cannabis is not a miracle cure. It is a supportive therapy — beneficial when properly indicated, harmful if misused.
Patients should always use only medically prescribed cannabis-based preparations under the supervision of qualified healthcare providers. Self-medication or reliance on unverified products can be dangerous.
As a cancer surgeon, and in collaboration with my Ayurvedic colleagues, I urge policymakers, doctors, and the public to look at cannabis not with fear, but with respect — understanding its potential, limitations, and the need for scientific rigor in its application.
The future of cancer care lies not just in more powerful surgeries or stronger chemotherapies, but also in compassionate, integrated approaches that honor both modern evidence and the timeless wisdom of healing.
