Cannabis in cancer: a review of therapeutic potential, clinical and preclinical status, and legislation.

The involvement of cannabis and cannabinoid-based products in the inhibition or progression of cancer has been reported in previous studies. However, only a limited number of cannabis-based products have been approved for specific clinical indications. This review critically evaluates the therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabinoid-based products in cancer, with particular emphasis on the consistency between preclinical evidence and clinical outcomes. Cannabinoids were systematically evaluated across available cell-based and animal model studies, as well as clinical studies to assess their regulatory effects on tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune modulation. Although preclinical studies demonstrate consistent antitumor activity, currently approved cannabis-based products are largely restricted to palliative indications, such as pain relief and management of chemotherapy-related symptoms, rather than disease-modifying cancer therapies. Furthermore, substantial variability in study design, dosing, formulation, and regulatory constraints hampers the translation of experimental findings into clinical practice. This review provides a comprehensive clinical assessment of cannabis and cannabinoid-based products in the treatment of various cancers and examines the regulatory and legal frameworks governing their use in Western and Asian countries. Despite the increasing global trend toward the legalization of medical cannabis, the lack of legislative harmonization remains a major barrier to the development, distribution, and clinical implementation of cannabis-based products.