Projections for the year 2023 indicate that 239,100 individuals in Canada are expected to face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases documented in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly identified cancer in women.
Although cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers are actively pursuing new methods to improve patient care. A significant research project has secured a 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 impact of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Early findings suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapies, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and reliable doses to manage the effects of chemotherapy.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a respected psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, recently obtained a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will aid 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 fight against cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary shield against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports emphasize the potential benefits of cannabis, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and solutions for sleep disturbances. However, Dr. Ashare remains mindful of the documented concerns about possible adverse effects stemming from the interaction of cannabis with immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of patients undergoing cancer 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.
Her team will examine the intricate dynamics between cannabis and immunotherapy among patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis may influence the effectiveness of the treatment, 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 deepen the understanding of the long-term advantages and possible risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will aim for 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer. To gain a well-rounded perspective, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will not use cannabis.
In contrast to traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer cannabis or edibles.
The secondary goal of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative encompasses a wide range of expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse. Dr. Ashare highlights the importance of this research, as it may significantly influence 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 focusing on the role of cannabis in cancer treatment.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have been conducting trials to assess the efficacy of various cannabinoids, particularly THC, in alleviating vomiting. Studies indicate that THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical research suggests that using cannabis may significantly help in suppressing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press revealed that a substantial number of patients treated with THC (64%) reported an increase in appetite. A smaller percentage of THC-treated patients saw no changes (27%), with incomplete data for one participant. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC has shown potential in improving patients’ dietary intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals facing cancer, stemming from the cancer itself, treatment, or other contributing factors.
A thorough analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in pain management. Research indicates a consistent reduction in overall medication use among patients during quarterly evaluations. Additionally, opioid usage decreased during the first three follow-up sessions.
Why Use cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, widely available in the cannabis market today. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a dedicated cartridge or chamber for housing cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers various consumption options. Users can choose between disposable vape pens or refillable cartridges with their 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 present a reduced health risk compared to traditional smoking, as shown by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who vape. The study noted a significant decrease in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who vaped.
More Effective
A comprehensive review by MAPS and California NORML found that vaping resulted in a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, surpassing the 25% conversion typical of a cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the intake from a joint, bong, or bowl can be challenging, especially for new users, as excessive inhalation can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, allows users to carefully control the dosage per inhalation.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Speed Greens Canada Pink KushTHC: 93-95%510 Thread: Compatible with any vape batteryEffect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Speed Greens Canada Sour DieselTHC: 93-95%510 Thread: Compatible with any vape batteryEffect: Cerebral, Fast-acting, Stress relief, Mental clarity
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable cannabis Pen
Amount: 3 mLStrain: Speed Greens Canada Ghost Train HazeTHC: 93-95%RechargeableEffect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at studying the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients navigating various treatments. They offer patients a cost-effective relief option while reducing adverse effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, preliminary findings already show promising results for patients 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 effortless use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates. Cannabis pens, on the other hand, come preloaded with extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers suitable for various cannabis extract consistencies, while 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 natural terpenes from the cannabis plant, yielding a dense and almost flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance the flavor profile of the liquid.
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 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?
Providing a precise answer regarding the THC content in a cannabis vape pen is challenging, as 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 could 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 by quickly pressing the button 3 to 5 times.
- A light will indicate that the device is operational for you to press the button each time you inhale 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, then activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for the best experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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