Forecasts for 2023 indicated that Green Society Canada anticipates 239,100 individuals in Canada to face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight increase from the 233,900 cases reported in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the leading cancer identified in females.
While cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers are actively seeking innovative methods to improve treatment options for patients. A significant research initiative has secured a grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, including those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies examine the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited focus on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest cannabis can alleviate side effects from cancer therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to counteract chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Dr. Rebecca Ashare, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will assist her in studying the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system’s power to combat cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary line of defense against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis, including pain relief, mood improvement, and addressing sleep-related issues. However, Dr. Ashare is mindful of the documented risks that may arise from 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 procedures. Due to the limited studies available, Dr. Ashare aims to assess how cannabis aids patients in this context.
Her team will investigate the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy, focusing on whether cannabis may 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 to recruit participants for a year-long 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 seek 450 individuals currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer. To achieve a balanced 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 goal of the grant is to examine the effects of neighborhood disadvantages on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this research encompasses a diverse range 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 holds the potential to influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Symptoms?
As Dr. Ashare and her team embark on this new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research continues to focus on cannabis’s impact on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown a moderate level of efficacy in preventing vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Clinical studies suggest that smoking or using cannabis has a significant effect on reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press found that a substantial percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small group of THC-treated patients showed no change (27%), while data for one patient remained incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC may help improve patients’ intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals dealing with cancer, arising from the disease itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
An extensive analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s role in assisting patients with pain management. The research indicates a consistent trend of patients reducing their overall medication intake during quarterly check-ups, including a decline in opioid use during the initial three check-ups.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis vape pen is a compact, battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, which are popular in the cannabis market today. It includes a battery, a precision heating element, and a chamber to hold cannabis concentrates. cannabis provides versatility in consumption, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or filling their cartridges with their preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who prefer to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis can potentially lower health risks associated with carcinogens, according to a 2007 study comparing cannabis smokers with those who vape. The study found a significant decrease in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A thorough examination conducted by MAPS and California NORML reported a striking 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape pen, surpassing the mere 25% achieved by a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be challenging with joints, bongs, or bowls. For those new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen 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 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 aimed at exploring the effects of cannabis offer hope for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. This research grants patients access to effective relief options while potentially reducing side effects tied to opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to investigate cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, early results suggest promising 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 to streamline the process with minimal effort, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates easily.
Conversely, cannabis pens come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. When people refer to dab pens, they generally mean vaporizers compatible with various consistencies of cannabis extract, while cannabis pens are designed specifically 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, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. They then reintroduce terpenes before filling cartridges to enhance the liquid’s flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects 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?
A definitive answer on the exact THC content in a cannabis vape pen is elusive, as different manufacturers use varying amounts. For instance, a vape pen with 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 with a quick series of 3 or 5 button presses.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate the operational status, allowing you to press the button for each draw from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully place a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Keep the button engaged while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through your inhalation.
Related Articles:
