Projections for the year 2023 indicate that 239,100 people in Canada are expected to receive the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022. Herbarium Canada
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females.
Despite the long-standing presence of cancer, researchers are actively seeking new methods to improve patient care. A research project has received a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential benefits of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a cannabis, in enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies examine the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with fewer focusing on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Early studies suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects from cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages 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 been awarded a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her research into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough in cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system’s power to fight against cancer. This complex defense mechanism acts as the body’s primary shield against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential advantages of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Dr. Ashare is, however, careful to acknowledge the established indicators that point to possible negative effects stemming from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals receiving cancer treatment have turned to cannabis to relieve symptoms during and after their medical care. Research on its effects is limited, prompting Dr. Ashare to investigate how it can assist patients.
She and her team aim to explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis may influence the treatment’s effectiveness, either positively or negatively.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are collaborating with UB in a joint effort to recruit participants for a 12-month observational study. This study aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks linked to cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment process at each site will target 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To gain a well-rounded perspective, 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 objective of the grant is to analyze how neighborhood disadvantage affects outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative comprises diverse specialists in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse. Dr. Ashare emphasizes the importance of this research, as it could significantly influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective in Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are embarking on a fresh study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also being conducted on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have been actively conducting trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This compound, along with other synthetic cannabinoids, has shown a modest level of effectiveness in preventing vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Clinical studies also suggest that using cannabis can significantly suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a substantial portion of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A minority of THC-treated patients (27%) reported no change, and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve nutritional intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom experienced by individuals battling cancer. This discomfort can arise from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
An extensive analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in assisting patients with pain management. The research indicates a significant trend where patients consistently reduced their overall medication intake during each quarterly check-up, with opioid consumption decreasing in the first three follow-up sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a portable, battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, widely popular in the cannabis market today. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a dedicated cartridge or chamber for housing the cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatility in consumption, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or refillable cartridges with their preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available in the market for those who wish to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis through vaping may reduce health risks associated with carcinogens, as indicated by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who vape. The study found a notable decrease in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study conducted by MAPS and California NORML revealed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape, compared to only 25% from a standard cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the volume of each inhale can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unfamiliar with smoking, an excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with its adjustable settings, allows users to precisely 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 exploring the effects of cannabis present hopeful opportunities for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They provide patients with a cost-effective relief option while also alleviating adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, initial findings already show encouraging 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 to simplify the experience with minimal effort. It allows users to load their preferred concentrates easily.
In contrast, cannabis pens come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they mean vaporizers that can accommodate various cannabis extract consistencies, while cannabis pens are specifically made for vaporizing liquid extracts.
Are strain-specific THC vapes derived from specific cannabis strains?
Yes. Vape cartridges contain cannabis distillate, a concentrated form of cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract the natural plant terpenes from the cannabis, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Terpenes are reintroduced before filling the cartridges to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and there remains much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer regarding the precise amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen, as different manufacturers use varying concentrations. For example, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration would contain 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 by pressing the button three or five times quickly.
- An LED light will indicate it is operational, allowing you to press the button each time you inhale from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully place a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery by pressing the button five times in quick succession.
- Keep the button pressed while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button halfway through the inhalation.
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