Cannabis & Cancer: Supporting Survivors Through the Healing Journey
June is Cancer Survivor’s Month, a time to recognize the more than 18 million[1] cancer survivors in the United States and the work being done to improve the lives of all cancer survivors and their caregivers. Recent research suggests cannabis may help manage common cancer treatment side effects and enhance patients’ overall quality of life,[2] and Trulieve is dedicated to supporting cancer patients through every stage of their journey.
Meet Amanda: A Three-Time Cancer Survivor
Amanda Hingson was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 17. Since then, she has faced lung recurrence and breast cancer, undergoing 14 surgeries along the way. For her, cannabis has been life changing. “I’ve been through chemo, mastectomies, and back reconstruction. Cannabis is how I manage my pain and keep going,” she says.
“I was wasting away, down to 90 pounds and on a feeding tube, and that one little cannabis pill changed everything. I finally ate. I finally kept food down,” she says, adding that her reaction to pain medications made her cancer journey even more difficult. “The pain pills took the pain away, but they also took everything else. I lost myself. Cannabis helped me heal and stay present.”
Amanda’s experience as a three-time cancer survivor reflects what many patients report: cannabis can help them manage their nausea, stimulate their appetite, and relieve their pain,[3] all challenges that often accompany cancer treatment. It can also play a powerful role in supporting emotional wellness.
“Right now, I’m undergoing more tests to make sure my cancer hasn’t come back,” Amanda shares. “If it weren’t for cannabis, I’d be paralyzed by anxiety. Instead, I’m at work, showing up for my team.”
The Medical Perspective
For Dr. William Troutt, a licensed naturopathic doctor and Trulieve’s Medical Director, Amanda’s story echoes what he’s seen over a 30-year career in cannabis-based medicine. “Cannabis isn’t a cure, but it is a powerful tool that supports healing, both physically and emotionally,” Dr. Troutt explains. “The most profound impact we see is in patients dealing with the toughest stages of treatment. Cannabis can help support their sleep, help them manage pain, and help them simply feel human again.”
Dr. Troutt emphasizes the importance of using cannabis responsibly and in partnership with traditional treatments. “When patients are able to get better sleep, reduce their stress, and nourish their bodies, they’re in a much better place to heal,” he says. “It’s about giving people more tools to support their quality of life.”
Leading With Empathy & Experience
Amanda now serves as General Manager at Trulieve’s Tampa Fairgrounds location, where she often meets new patients who are unsure about cannabis. When she does, she leads with empathy and experience. “When they hear what I’ve been through, they listen. I always say: just try it. If it helps, you’ll know. And if my story helps one person try cannabis and feel better, it’s worth sharing every day.”
Learn more and explore additional patient stories at trulieve.com/discover/blog.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance and ensure compliance with all applicable cannabis laws.
[1] National Cancer Institute – National Cancer Survivor’s Month https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/about/survivorship-month
[2] Frontiers in Oncology, April 2025 - Meta-analysis of medical cannabis outcomes and associations with cancer https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621/full
[3] US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Cannabis and Cancer https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cancer.html
