At DocMJ, we believe that the power of medical cannabis and breast cancer care extends far beyond symptom relief; it represents hope, healing, and the possibility of a better quality of life. That’s why we’re proud to support an important new study led by the University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center and the University of Miami.
Funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), this five-year, $3.2 million NCI-funded breast cancer cannabis study aims to uncover how medical cannabis research in Florida may benefit patients during and after treatment, building on the DocMJ and UF Health Cancer Center study initiative.
A Groundbreaking Study for Cancer and Cannabis Care
If you or someone you love has faced breast cancer, you know how complex treatment can be physically, emotionally, and mentally. This new medical marijuana breast cancer research seeks to better understand how breast cancer treatment and medical cannabis might ease that journey and improve outcomes.
The research team, co-led by Dr. Yan Wang from UF and Dr. Jennifer Hu from the University of Miami breast cancer research program, will follow 600 breast cancer patients using medical marijuana over several years.
By analyzing treatment regimens, side effects, and patient-reported experiences, the researchers hope to reveal how cannabis in cancer care impacts both treatment outcomes and overall well-being.
According to Dr. Hu, nearly 40% of breast cancer patients already use medical marijuana symptom management to help manage symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and nausea. Yet, surprisingly little is known about its long-term effects or potential interactions with cancer therapies.
This University of Florida medical marijuana study aims to bridge that gap. It’ll separate myths from facts and provide doctors and patients with clear, evidence-based guidance on cancer and cannabis clinical research and cannabis for cancer symptom relief.
Putting Patients at the Heart of Research
What makes this study even more powerful is its focus on inclusion. Nearly half of all participants will come from underserved or minority communities, addressing the long-standing lack of diversity in medical research.
This approach ensures that the findings of the NCI-funded breast cancer cannabis study accurately represent real-world experiences, encompassing diverse backgrounds, cultures, and health disparities, so that all patients can benefit equally from future medical cannabis insights.
For many patients, this research represents something deeply personal: a chance to have their experiences shape the future of cancer care.
By studying medical cannabis use in real clinical settings, scientists hope to uncover not only its potential benefits but also how it can be safely integrated into comprehensive cancer treatment plans.
DocMJ’s Role in Supporting Research and Healing
At DocMJ, we’re honored to play an active role in this groundbreaking work. As part of our partnership with the UF Health Cancer Center, we’re helping connect eligible patients with the opportunity to participate in the study.
After their appointments, our physicians and staff share information about the research with patients who may be interested in learning more.
This collaboration reflects DocMJ’s long-standing commitment to advancing responsible, science-based medical cannabis care. By supporting this study, we’re helping to build the kind of evidence patients and doctors need to make informed choices about cannabis use during treatment.
— Jackie Rothman, COO of DocMJ
A Shared Mission of Hope
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, accounting for nearly one in three new diagnoses each year. With so many patients seeking natural ways to manage side effects, this study has the potential to change how medical cannabis is understood and used in oncology care.
As this research moves forward, DocMJ will continue to keep patients informed about the progress and findings. Together with the UF Health Cancer Center and the University of Miami, we’re helping to build a future where compassion and science work hand in hand, and where every patient has access to the knowledge, care, and support they deserve.
Discover Healing and Hope with DocMJ
At DocMJ, we’re here to guide you on your medical cannabis journey with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based care. If you or someone you love is exploring medical cannabis as part of breast cancer treatment, our certified physicians are ready to help. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward personalized, patient-centered healing.
Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.
He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.
Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.