Projections for the year 2023 estimate that 239,100 individuals in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight increase from the 233,900 cases recorded in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females.
Although cancer has been a longstanding challenge, researchers are actively pursuing new methods to improve patient care. A significant research project has secured a $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on the impact of cannabis on chemotherapy, with little emphasis on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary research indicates that cannabis may help alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to manage chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has been awarded a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant aims to support her research into the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s power to fight cancer. This complex defense system serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep 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. Despite the limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate its benefits for these patients.
She and her team plan to explore the intricate dynamics between cannabis and immunotherapy, focusing on whether cannabis may positively or negatively influence treatment effectiveness.
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. The study aims to deepen understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment efforts at each site will aim for 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer. To ensure a well-rounded perspective, half of these 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 preferred cannabis products, whether they opt for cannabis or edibles.
The secondary goal of the grant is to investigate the influence of neighborhood disadvantage on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team 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 could significantly impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on their study concerning cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also examining cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials assessing the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Clinical studies suggest that smoking or using cannabis has a notable impact on reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in Oxford University Press found that a significant percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small number of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve food intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom experienced by many cancer patients, arising from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
An extensive analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in pain management. The research reveals a consistent reduction in overall medication usage among patients during each quarterly assessment, with a decline in opioid consumption observed in the first three check-ups.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, battery-powered device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexible consumption options, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or filling their own cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks associated with carcinogens. A 2007 study comparing cannabis smokers to vapers found a significant decrease in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML revealed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape, which exceeds the 25% achieved by a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount inhaled from a joint, bong, or bowl can be difficult. For novice users, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to finely control the amount inhaled with various settings.
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 focused on cannabis research offer hope for cancer patients undergoing various treatments. They enable patients to discover affordable relief options while potentially reducing the side effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to examine cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early findings already suggest 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 small electronic device designed for ease of use. It allows users to load their preferred concentrates easily.
Cannabis pens come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. While dab pens refer to vaporizers compatible with different cannabis extract consistencies, 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 concentrated form of cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract the natural plant terpenes from the cannabis, resulting in a potent and nearly flavorless liquid. Terpenes are reintroduced before filling the cartridges to enhance flavor.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual reactions can vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced can be unpredictable, and further research is needed to understand 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 challenging. Manufacturers use varying THC concentrations in their products. For example, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration would 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.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate that it is operational for you to press the button while drawing from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, placing a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Keep the button pressed while inhaling, and for the best experience, release the button midway through the inhalation.
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