Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 individuals in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight increase from the 233,900 cases recorded in 2022. WeedSmart Canada
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women at WeedSmart Canada.
Even with cancer persisting over time, researchers are actively investigating new ways to improve patient treatment. A significant research initiative has garnered a $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- The majority of research studies focus on cannabis’s effects on chemotherapy, with fewer studies addressing its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary studies indicate that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapies, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and consistent dosages to help manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently received a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will aid her exploration of cannabis effects on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary guardian against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the beneficial effects of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep-related issues. However, Dr. Ashare is mindful of documented risks that could arise from cannabis and immunotherapy interactions.
About 40% of cancer treatment patients turn to cannabis for symptom relief during and after treatment. With limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare seeks to understand how cannabis can aid patients.
She and her team will investigate the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy in patients. Their primary goal is to determine whether cannabis affects treatment efficacy, either enhancing or inhibiting it.
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. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
Each site will recruit 450 participants currently undergoing 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 use.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether opting for cannabis or edibles.
The secondary goal of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative brings a wealth 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 could significantly impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study about cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also focusing on cannabis’s effects 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 chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that using cannabis can significantly help suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press found that a significant number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small percentage of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), with incomplete data for one patient. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC use may enhance food intake.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom for many individuals dealing with cancer, arising from the disease itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A comprehensive review published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in aiding pain management for patients. The study shows a consistent reduction in overall medication intake among patients during quarterly check-ups, with opioid use declining in the first three sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient battery-powered device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a cartridge or chamber to hold the cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexible consumption options, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or filling their own cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who prefer not to experience THC’s effects.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis can potentially lower health risks associated with carcinogens, as indicated by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who vape. The research showed a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among vapers.
More Effective
A study conducted by MAPS and California NORML found that vaping THC yielded a remarkable 46% conversion to vapor, compared to just 25% from a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the volume of each inhale can be challenging when using joints, bongs, or bowls. For those new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, allows users to control the dosage per inhalation accurately.
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 dedicated to studying cannabis effects offer hope for cancer patients undergoing various treatments. They provide patients with cost-effective relief options while reducing adverse effects tied to opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early results already show promise for those 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 for ease of use, allowing individuals to load their preferred concentrates. Cannabis pens, on the other hand, contain preloaded cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers for 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, natural plant terpenes are extracted, producing a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses may vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and more research is needed to understand how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing a precise answer about the exact THC content in a cannabis vape pen is difficult, as different manufacturers use various quantities. For instance, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration would contain 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 3 or 5 times quickly.
- An LED light will indicate operational status; press the button while drawing 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 by pressing the button five times.
- Hold the button while inhaling, releasing it midway for optimal experience.
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