Aim: To compare the expectations and the reality of oncology patients in terms of to the use of medical cannabis, including symptom control and related quality of life. Research question: Is there a diff erence between oncology patients expectations and their reality concerning the use of medical cannabis and what do oncology patients experience regarding symptom control and quality of life? Method: This research was done in a tertiary hospital in Israel at the oncology clinic A comparative study that used self-administered questionnaires for patients who received authorization to use medical cannabis. The fi rst questionnaire was given to patients after receiving the authorization to use medical cannabis and asked about their expectations related to its use. Patients fi lled out the same questionnaire for the second time, approximately two months after. Comparison of the respondent's answers, before and after using medical cannabis, showed reality of improving symptom control and Quality of Life. Results: Seventy-four patients completed both questionnaires. Most patients reported advantage in symptom control when using medical cannabis, although their expectations were somewhat higher than the reality experienced. Advantage of using medical cannabis was also found concerning improvement of quality of life. Seventy-fi ve of patients still used medical cannabis once completing the second questionnaire and most of them reported that they would recommend the use of medical cannabis Conclusion: It can be seen from this study that for many oncology patients the use of medical cannabis may be very helpful. However, the use of cannabis is not free of side eff ects, as can be seen from the patients' reports. This has clear implications for oncology nursing practice and may lead to a better understanding of patients using medical cannabis in the future, in terms of its benefi t and side eff ects.