Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 individuals in Canada are expected to face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, showing a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, and breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females.
Even though cancer has persisted for a long time, researchers are actively seeking new ways to improve patient treatment. A significant research project has received a grant of $3.2 million to explore the effectiveness of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on cannabis’s impact on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary research shows that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can deliver quick and effective dosages for managing chemotherapy symptoms.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, an esteemed professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently acquired 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 receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s power to combat cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s protector against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Dr. Ashare, however, is mindful of the established indicators suggesting possible adverse effects stemming from the interaction of cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their therapies. Given the limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how cannabis can assist patients.
She and her team intend to explore the intricate dynamics between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis could influence 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 12-month observational study. This study aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment process will involve targeting 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To gain a thorough perspective, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will not use cannabis.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether opting for cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this project comprises 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 may significantly impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are initiating a new study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also examining cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in alleviating vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing vomiting triggered by cancer chemotherapy. Clinical studies suggest that inhaling cannabis through vape pens has a significant effect on suppressing chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a notable percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A minority of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve food intake.
Pain
Pain often emerges as a common symptom for those battling cancer. This sensation may arise from the disease itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A comprehensive analysis in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal illustrates the efficacy of cannabis in aiding pain management for patients. The research highlights a consistent reduction in overall medication use among patients during each quarterly follow-up. Additionally, opioid consumption decreased during the initial three follow-up sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact and efficient battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, which are popular in today’s cannabis market. Consisting of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for cannabis concentrates, cannabis offers flexibility in consumption. Users can choose disposable vape pens or refill their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who wish to avoid the effects of vaping THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce exposure to health risks like carcinogens, as indicated by a 2007 study comparing cannabis smokers with vapers. The study found a significant reduction in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive review conducted by MAPS and California NORML found that using a vape pen leads to a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, surpassing the 25% achieved by a standard cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
When using a joint, bong, or bowl, accurately gauging the amount inhaled can be challenging. For novice smokers, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with its adjustable settings, allows users to control their inhalation quantities precisely.
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 studying the effects of cannabis present hopeful prospects for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They provide an affordable relief option while potentially reducing adverse effects linked to opioids or alternative medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, initial findings already indicate promising 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 a simplified experience. It allows users to load their preferred concentrates with ease.
In contrast, cannabis pens arrive preloaded with cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they mean vaporizers that accommodate various cannabis extract consistencies, while cannabis pens are tailored 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 from cannabis, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance the overall flavor profile of the liquid.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary based on the unique characteristics of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and there is still much to discover about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It is difficult to provide a precise answer regarding the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen. Different manufacturers use varying amounts of THC in their products. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields around 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering roughly 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 or five times.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate operational status for 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 directly onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is placed, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery by pressing the button five times consecutively.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
