THC may have some therapeutic benefits on pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Despite these potential benefits, THC can induce intoxication and cause other side effects that may reduce the quality of life for some people.[1][2] On the flip side, some people seek out THC recreationally for its intoxicating effects, which can include euphoria, a sense of relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
THC is likely effective for reducing nausea and vomiting in children and adults undergoing chemotherapy. The effects are superior to a placebo and potentially comparable to standard treatments, although more research is needed to confirm the latter.[3][4] While THC might reduce nausea and vomiting in other contexts, this hasn’t been thoroughly researched.
THC may also reduce chronic pain to a small or moderate degree, with most research looking at neuropathic pain of various origins.[5][6] Limited research suggests that THC may also reduce pain due to cancer or multiple sclerosis.[7] Still, how THC compares to commonly used pain relievers is not particularly clear, and when used alongside opioid analgesics, THC doesn’t seem to reduce the required dose of opioids.[8][9]