Forecasts for 2023 indicate that 239,100 people in Canada are expected to face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, reflecting a minor rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022. BudExpressNow Canada
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer continues to be the most common diagnosis among women.
Even with cancer being a longstanding issue, researchers are actively seeking new methods to improve patient treatment. A substantial grant of $3.2 million has been allocated 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 cannabis’s impact on chemotherapy, with limited focus on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, an esteemed psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has secured a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will support her research into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system to fight cancer. This complex defense system serves as the body’s protector against infections and various diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and improvements in sleep. However, Dr. Ashare acknowledges the potential negative effects that may arise from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment resort to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their therapies. Given the limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how it may assist patients.
She and her team will explore the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis might positively or negatively affect treatment efficacy.
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. The focus is on enhancing understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment effort will involve 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy. To ensure a comprehensive study, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis use.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team comprises experts 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?
As Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, more research is also being conducted on cannabis’s impact on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of cannabinoids, particularly THC, in reducing vomiting. THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate success in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that using cannabis can effectively suppress chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press revealed that 64% of patients treated with THC experienced increased appetite. A small percentage of patients saw no change, while data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss, a common side effect of cancer treatment, can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve dietary intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom for cancer patients, arising from the disease itself, treatments, or other factors.
A comprehensive analysis in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in pain management. The research shows a consistent decrease in overall medication intake among patients during quarterly check-ups, with a notable reduction in opioid consumption in the first three visits.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatile options for consumption. Users can choose disposable vape pens or fill their own cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may lower health risks associated with carcinogen exposure, as a 2007 study indicated. The research found a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels in individuals who vaped compared to those who smoked.
More Effective
A thorough examination by MAPS and California NORML revealed a 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape, compared to just 25% from a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount inhaled can be difficult with joints, bongs, or bowls. For inexperienced users, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to precisely control the dosage with adjustable settings.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Pink KushTHC: 93-95%510 Thread: Fits any vape batteryEffect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Sour DieselTHC: 93-95%510 Thread: Fits any vape batteryEffect: Cerebral, Fast-acting, Stress relief, Mental clarity
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable cannabis Pen
Amount: 3 mLStrain: Ghost Train HazeTHC: 93-95%RechargeableEffect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants dedicated to examining cannabis effects present hope for cancer patients navigating various treatments. It offers patients a cost-effective relief option while reducing side effects associated with opioids or other medications.
While ongoing studies continue to explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, initial findings 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 for minimal effort. It allows users to load their preferred concentrates.
In contrast, cannabis pens come preloaded with extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers compatible with various cannabis extract forms, 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 concentrated cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract natural terpenes from the cannabis, yielding a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance flavor.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Responses can vary due to individual differences in the endocannabinoid system. Effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be understood about how cannabinoids and terpenes influence reactions.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Determining the exact THC amount in a cannabis vape pen can be challenging. Different manufacturers use varying THC concentrations. For instance, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at 80% concentration would yield around 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering approximately 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 quickly 3 or 5 times.
- An LED light will indicate operational status for you to draw from the mouthpiece.
- 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 quick presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for best results, release the button midway through inhalation.
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