Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 people in Canada will face the serious diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.
Even though cancer has been a persistent challenge, researchers are actively pursuing new methods to improve patient care. A research project has been awarded a significant $3.2 million grant to explore the potential benefits of cannabis-derived compounds, particularly those associated with a cannabis, in enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited exploration of its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest that cannabis can help manage side effects of cancer treatments, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to alleviate chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Dr. Rebecca Ashare, a respected psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently secured a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will support her research on the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge approach to cancer treatment that utilizes the immune system to combat cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary shield against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep challenges. However, Dr. Ashare is cautious about recognizing the documented risks associated with the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical care. Given the limited research available, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how cannabis may assist these patients.
Her team will delve into the intricate dynamics between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis affects the treatment’s effectiveness, either enhancing or diminishing it.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are collaborating with UB to recruit participants for a year-long observational study. This research aims to deepen understanding of the long-term advantages and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will focus on 450 patients currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer. To gain a comprehensive view, half of the participants will use cannabis while the other half will abstain from cannabis use.
In contrast to traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to select their preferred cannabis products, whether they choose to use cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages may affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team brings together diverse 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 influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective in Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are embarking on this new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also being conducted on the effects 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. Studies indicate that THC and other synthetic cannabinoids can modestly prevent vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Clinical research has also shown that smoking or using cannabis significantly helps in suppressing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a notable 64% of patients treated with THC experienced an increase in appetite, while a small percentage (27%) experienced no change. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC may help improve food intake.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom among individuals facing cancer. This discomfort can stem from cancer 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 found a consistent decrease in overall medication use during quarterly follow-ups, with opioid consumption dropping in the first three check-ups.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates commonly found in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatile consumption options, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or refilling their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available in the market for those who prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks associated with carcinogen exposure, as evidenced by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis to those who vape. The study found significantly lower blood levels of carbon monoxide in the vaping group.
More Effective
In a thorough analysis by MAPS and California NORML, it was found that cannabis achieves a 46% conversion of THC to vapor, which is notably higher than the 25% conversion rate of a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of inhalation can be challenging when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to precisely control the amount inhaled.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable Cannabis Pen
Conclusion
Grants focused on researching the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. They offer a cost-effective relief option while reducing the negative effects associated with opioids and other medications.
As studies continue to explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early findings suggest promising results for those 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 effortless use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates.
Cannabis pens come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers adaptable to 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 potent form of cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract natural plant terpenes, resulting in a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual reactions can vary due to each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and there is still much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Determining the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen can be difficult, as different manufacturers use varying 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 providing approximately 4mg of THC.
How does a THC pen work?
Prefilled THC oil cartridge- Begin by connecting the cartridge to the battery.
- Activate the battery with a quick series of 3 or 5 button presses.
- An LED light will indicate operational status for you to press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, and carefully place a small amount of concentrate onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Keep pressing the button while inhaling for the best experience, releasing the button midway through your inhale.
