Novel research design may overcome barriers to study of cannabis for cancer symptom relief

OG article by Mark Leiser

February 4, 2026

Minnesota researchers partnered with the state’s medical cannabis program for a pilot randomized waitlist-controlled trial testing cannabis for symptom relief in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. The study included 32 participants (median age 71, 53% women) with high rates of insomnia (85%), pain (77%), and appetite loss (69%). Patients received education and access to state program products; half started early (weeks 1-8), half delayed (weeks 9-16), with median daily THC at 7.3 mg. Feasibility was strong: 74% enrollment, 81% compliance, 75% outcome completion. All early-intervention patients surveyed found it easy, reported improvements, and would recommend it. Preliminary results showed better symptom relief in the early group (insomnia 67% vs. 30%, appetite 56% vs. 30%, pain 44% vs. 20%), though not statistically significant. Lead author Dylan Zylla, MD, MS, confirmed the model’s feasibility, bypassing federal barriers by using the state program. An added colorectal cancer cohort is enrolling. Zylla noted patient interest: “Cannabis is not going away, and our patients are interested in it.” Larger trials are needed.