Projections for 2023 indicated that 239,100 individuals in Canada would face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, a slight rise from the 233,900 cases documented in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in females.
Despite the enduring nature of cancer, researchers are actively seeking new methods to improve patient treatment. A recent research initiative secured a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research investigates the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less focus on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial studies suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective doses to manage chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a respected psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently received a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant will facilitate her research into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment that harnesses the immune system’s power to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary shield against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Dr. Ashare, however, remains mindful of the documented indicators suggesting possible adverse effects from cannabis interactions with immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief, both during and after their therapies. Given the limited studies available, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how cannabis may assist patients.
She and her team intend to explore the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis could influence the effectiveness of the treatment, either positively or negatively.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are collaborating with UB to recruit participants for a 12-month observational study focused on understanding the long-term benefits and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment process will aim for 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer. To ensure a comprehensive understanding, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer using cannabis or edibles.
The secondary goal of the grant is to examine the influence of neighborhood disadvantage on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team behind this project brings together a wide range of expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse. Dr. Ashare emphasizes the importance of this research, as it may significantly affect cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are initiating a new study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also focusing on the impact of cannabis on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Clinical studies indicate that smoking or using cannabis significantly helps suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press revealed that a considerable percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small number of THC-treated patients saw no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but with THC, patients can enhance their intake.
Pain
Pain is often a prevalent symptom for those fighting cancer. This discomfort may arise from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A detailed analysis in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal indicates the effectiveness of cannabis in aiding pain management for patients. The research shows a consistent trend of decreased overall medication use among patients during quarterly evaluations, including a decline in opioid consumption in the initial three check-ups.
Why Use cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient battery-powered device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates widely popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a dedicated cartridge or chamber for containing cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers various consumption options. Users can choose disposable vape pens or refill their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you wish to avoid the effects of THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may present a reduced risk of health issues, including exposure to carcinogens, as demonstrated by a 2007 study comparing smokers and vapers. The research indicated a significant reduction in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study conducted by MAPS and California NORML found that 46% of THC converts to vapor when using a vape, surpassing the 25% conversion achieved by a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Accurately estimating each inhalation’s volume can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, allows users to finely control the amount inhaled.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL
Strain: Pink Kush
THC: 93-95%
510 Thread: Fits any vape battery
Effect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL
Strain: Sour Diesel
THC: 93-95%
510 Thread: Fits any vape battery
Effect: Cerebral, Fast-acting, Stress relief, Mental clarity
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable Cannabis Pen
Amount: 3 mL
Strain: Ghost Train Haze
THC: 93-95%
Rechargeable
Effect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at investigating the effects of cannabis open new pathways of hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. They provide patients with a potentially cost-effective relief option while concurrently alleviating adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to explore cannabis’ impact on immunotherapy, preliminary findings already show promising results for individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cannabis pens similar to dab pens?
A dab pen, or wax pen, is a compact electronic device designed for ease of use. It allows users to load their preferred concentrates. In contrast, cannabis pens typically come preloaded in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers adaptable to various cannabis extract consistencies, while cannabis pens are specifically for vaporizing liquid extracts.
Are strain-specific THC vapes derived from specific cannabis strains?
Yes. Vape cartridges contain cannabis distillate, a potent form of cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract natural plant terpenes from cannabis, resulting in a dense, mostly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the liquid’s flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses vary due to each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. Effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be learned about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual reactions.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing a definitive answer on the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen is challenging. Different manufacturers include varying amounts of THC in their products. For example, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields approximately 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering around 4mg of THC.
How does a THC pen work?
Prefilled THC oil cartridge
- Connect the cartridge to the battery.
- Activate the battery with a quick sequence of 3 or 5 button presses.
- An LED light will indicate operational status; press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and place a small amount of concentrate onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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