Expectations for 2023 suggest that 239,100 people in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer retains its position as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women.
Even though cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers continue to seek new ways to improve patient treatments. A significant research 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.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies examine the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited focus on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings indicate that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide rapid 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 obtained a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant will aid her research into the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s capabilities to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism is the body’s primary protector against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, improved mood, and sleep issue management. However, Dr. Ashare remains aware of the documented signs that suggest possible negative effects from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their treatments. Research on its effects is limited, prompting Dr. Ashare to investigate how it can benefit patients.
Dr. Ashare and her team aim to explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis can affect the treatment’s efficacy, 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. This study aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will focus on 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, half of the participants will be cannabis users while the other half will abstain from cannabis use.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to investigate the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team involved in this initiative 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 may influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective in Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on this new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also being conducted 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. THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that using cannabis has a significant effect on controlling chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press indicated that a substantial number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller group of THC-treated patients showed no change (27%), and data for one patient was incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve patient intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom for individuals dealing with cancer. This pain may result from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A thorough review in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in aiding pain management for patients. The study reveals a consistent trend of reduced overall medication intake among patients during quarterly evaluations. Additionally, opioid use decreased during the initial three assessment sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, which are popular in the cannabis market today. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for the cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatile consumption options, allowing users to choose between disposable pens or refilling their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you wish to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis through vaping may reduce health risks associated with carcinogen exposure, as shown in a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis to those who vape. The research indicated a significant reduction in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML found that using a vape resulted in a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, compared to only 25% for a traditional 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, with adjustable settings, allows users to precisely control the amount inhaled per puff.
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 studying the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. They enable patients to find affordable relief options while reducing adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies investigate cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, preliminary results already suggest positive outcomes 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 easy use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates. Cannabis pens, on the other hand, come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers suitable 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, manufacturers remove natural plant terpenes, creating a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Manufacturers reintroduce terpenes before filling cartridges to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary due to each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be discovered about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing an exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen can be challenging, as different manufacturers use varying THC concentrations. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at 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 three to five times.
- An LED light will indicate the operational status, allowing you to press the button while drawing from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully 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 the best experience, release the button midway through the inhalation.
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