Projections for 2023 indicated that 239,100 individuals in Canada would face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases reported in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females.
Although cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers are actively seeking new ways to improve patient care. A recent research project has received a significant grant of $3.2 million 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 research studies focus on the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and consistent dosages to help manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a respected psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently obtained a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant will facilitate her research into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system to combat the formidable challenge of cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and various diseases.
Numerous studies highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including relief from pain, mood enhancement, and improvement in sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare is careful to acknowledge the documented signs that suggest possible negative effects 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 on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how it assists patients.
She and her team intend to explore the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis can 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 in a joint effort to recruit participants for a 12-month observational study. This study’s primary goal is to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will aim for 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To ensure a well-rounded perspective, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis.
In contrast to traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer using cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team brings together 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 could significantly influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
As Dr. Ashare and her team embark on their new study concerning 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 alleviating vomiting, with particular focus on THC. This compound, along with other synthetic cannabinoids, has shown a moderate level of effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also indicate that smoking or using cannabis can significantly help suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
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 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 result in weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC has been shown to enhance dietary intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom encountered by those affected by cancer. It may arise 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 pain management for patients. The research indicates a consistent decline in patients’ overall medication intake during each quarterly check-up, including a marked reduction in opioid usage during the initial three check-up sessions.
Why Use cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, popular in the current cannabis market. It comprises a battery, a precision heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for housing cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexibility 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 not to experience the effects of THC cannabis extracts.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks, such as exposure to carcinogens, according to a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who vape. The study found a significant reduction in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A detailed examination by MAPS and California NORML revealed that vaping can achieve a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, surpassing the 25% conversion typically seen with a cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be challenging with traditional smoking methods such as joints, bongs, or bowls. For individuals unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can become overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, enables users to control their inhalation amounts precisely.
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 studying the effects of cannabis bring hope for cancer patients facing various medical treatments. They provide patients with cost-effective relief options while helping to mitigate the adverse effects associated with opioids or alternative medications.
As ongoing studies further investigate cannabis’s effects on immunotherapy, early results 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 to simplify the experience with minimal effort, allowing users the freedom to load their preferred concentrates.
Conversely, cannabis pens come preloaded with extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they mean vaporizers adaptable to various forms of cannabis extract, 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 the cannabis, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the flavor profile of the liquid.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary due to the unique characteristics of each person’s 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 challenging, as different manufacturers use varying THC concentrations in their products. For example, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration may yield around 400mg of THC, with each puff providing approximately 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 quickly.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate the operational status, prompting 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 directly onto the coils.
- Once in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery by pressing the button five times.
- Hold the button down while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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