A comprehensive scientific review published in the journal Phytomedicine concludes that cannabidiol holds “substantial promise as an anti-tumor agent,” according to researchers from multiple Chinese universities who analyzed the existing body of preclinical evidence on the non-intoxicating cannabis compound.
The review, authored by Shuqin Duan, Fan Yang, and colleagues, examined how CBD interacts with cancer cells across a range of tumor types. According to the researchers, CBD appears to disrupt several key processes that allow tumors to grow and spread — including cell proliferation, programmed cell death, metastasis, and the immune environment surrounding tumors.
“CBD exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy in vitro and in vivo, shows synergistic effects in combination therapy,” the authors wrote in the paper, which was published online in late December and indexed by PubMed in January 2026.
The review reportedly found evidence of anti-tumor activity against several aggressive cancer types, including glioblastoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer. Researchers noted that CBD appeared to work through multiple biological pathways simultaneously, rather than targeting a single mechanism — a characteristic that could make it a useful complement to existing treatments.
However, the authors emphasized that nearly all current evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, not human clinical trials. They pointed to “significant heterogeneity in preclinical studies and an incomplete mechanistic understanding” as barriers to bringing CBD-based cancer therapies into the clinic.
Bioavailability remains another challenge. When taken orally, CBD is heavily metabolized by the body, meaning only a fraction of a dose may reach tumor tissue. The researchers called for improved drug delivery systems and standardized research protocols to advance the field.
The review adds to a growing body of research exploring whether cannabis-derived compounds could play a role in oncology. For consumers interested in the current science behind CBD products, [FindMyCBD.com](https://findmycbd.com) offers research-backed product comparisons.
No CBD product is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer.
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Sources: Duan S, Liu M, An Z, et al. “Unlocking the potential: Cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising anti-tumor agent.” Phytomedicine. Published online December 25, 2025. PMID: 41494497.
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