Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 individuals in Canada are expected to receive the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight increase from the 233,900 cases recorded in 2022.
Prostate cancer continues to be the leading cancer diagnosis in males, while breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females.
Despite cancer being a long-standing issue, scientists are actively pursuing new methods to improve patient treatment. A research project has been awarded a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, including those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies focus on the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide fast 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 secured 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 receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment, using the immune system’s power to combat cancer. This intricate defense mechanism serves as the body’s protector against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and assistance with sleep issues. Nevertheless, Dr. Ashare is careful to acknowledge the documented signs that may indicate adverse effects resulting from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer treatment patients have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical procedures. Research on its effects is limited, prompting Dr. Ashare to investigate how it aids patients.
Her team aims to explore the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for cancer patients. Their primary goal is to determine whether cannabis can influence treatment 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. The main objective of this study is to deepen the understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment strategy at each site will focus on 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To gain a comprehensive 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 to use vape pens or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to analyze the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative consists of professionals with diverse expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance abuse. 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 embark on a new study concerning cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also being conducted regarding 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, along with other synthetic cannabinoids, has shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also indicate that using cannabis can significantly suppress chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a substantial number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller fraction of THC-treated patients showed no change (27%), with data for one patient being incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC has the potential to enhance food intake.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom among individuals battling cancer, stemming from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A thorough analysis featured in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in aiding pain management for patients. The research reveals a notable trend of decreasing overall medication intake during each quarterly follow-up, with a decline in opioid use observed over the first three check-ups.
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, which are widely available in the cannabis market today. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexibility in consumption, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or filling their own cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: There are CBD vape pens available in the market if you prefer not to experience the effects of vaping THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may present a lower health risk compared to smoking, as a 2007 study comparing smokers to vapers indicated a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who chose vaping.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML revealed that 46% of THC is converted to vapor when using a vape, surpassing the 25% conversion achieved by traditional cannabis joints.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For inexperienced smokers, an excessive inhale can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen provides users the ability to finely control the quantity inhaled through its adjustable settings.
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 focused on studying the effects of cannabis hold promise for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They provide patients with an affordable option for relief while helping to reduce negative side effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing research continues to explore cannabis’ effects on immunotherapy, initial findings already suggest encouraging results for individuals receiving 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 facilitate a simplified experience. 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 suitable for various cannabis extract consistencies, while cannabis pens are specifically designed 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 natural plant terpenes from cannabis, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Responses can vary among individuals due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The 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?
It’s challenging to provide a specific answer regarding the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen, as different manufacturers use varying concentrations. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil with an 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 three to five times.
- An LED light will indicate that the device is operational, and you can press the button while inhaling from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully place a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- After placing the concentrate, 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 the inhalation.
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