Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 individuals in Canada will receive the challenging diagnosis of cancer, showing a slight rise from the 233,900 cases documented in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis for males, while breast cancer still ranks as the most common cancer among females.
Despite the longstanding presence of cancer, researchers continue to seek innovative methods to improve patient treatment. A significant research initiative has been awarded a $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, like those utilized in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- The majority of research studies focus on the impact of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary studies suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages for managing chemotherapy side 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 facilitate her research into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s capabilities to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary safeguard against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the promising advantages associated with cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood improvement, and assistance with sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare is mindful of the documented indicators suggesting potential adverse effects from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of patients undergoing cancer treatment turn to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical procedures. Research on its effects is limited, prompting Dr. Ashare to investigate its benefits for patients.
Dr. Ashare and her team will examine the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy among patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis influences the treatment’s effectiveness, 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 year-long observational study. This study aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will focus on 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer. To gain a complete view, 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 using cannabis or edibles.
The study’s secondary goal is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this project consists of 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?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on new research regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional studies are also being conducted on cannabis’s impact on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have actively explored the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, with a focus on THC. Both THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate success in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that smoking or using cannabis can effectively suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press found that a significant number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small percentage of THC patients saw no change (27%), and data from one patient was incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC may help patients improve their food intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals dealing with cancer, arising from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A comprehensive analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in aiding patients with pain management. The findings reveal a consistent decrease in overall medication usage among patients during quarterly evaluations, with opioid consumption dropping in the initial three check-ups.
Why Use cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, which are popular in today’s cannabis market. 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 select disposable vape pens or fill their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those preferring not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis through vaping may lower health risks associated with carcinogens, as suggested by a 2007 study comparing cannabis smokers to vapers. The research indicated a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML found that using a vape pen resulted in a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, surpassing the 25% conversion achieved with a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be difficult with a joint, bong, or bowl. For those new to smoking, an excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with its adjustable settings, allows users to finely control the amount they inhale.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL | Strain: Pink KushTHC: 93-95% | 510 Thread: Fits any vape batteryEffect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL | Strain: 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 mL | Strain: Ghost Train HazeTHC: 93-95% | RechargeableEffect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at exploring the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. They enable patients to discover cost-effective relief options while potentially reducing adverse effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, early results already indicate encouraging outcomes 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 ease of use with concentrates. It enables users to load their preferred concentrates.
Cannabis pens, on the other hand, come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts within pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they are talking about vaporizers that accommodate 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 extract natural plant terpenes, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, they reintroduce terpenes to enhance the liquid’s overall flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can differ 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 influence personal responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It is difficult to provide a precise answer regarding the THC content in a cannabis vape pen. Manufacturers vary in the amount of THC included in their products. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration could yield approximately 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering around 4mg of THC.
How does a THC pen work?
Prefilled THC oil cartridge- Connect 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, allowing you to press the button when drawing from the mouthpiece.
- 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.
- Keep the button pressed while inhaling; for best results, release the button midway through inhalation.
