Expectations for the year 2023 indicate that 239,100 people in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases recorded in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among men, whereas breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.
Even though cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers are actively seeking new methods to improve patient care. A research project secured a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential benefits of cannabis-derived compounds, like those found in a cannabis, in enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Research primarily focuses on the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with minimal attention paid to its impact on immunotherapy.
- Early findings suggest that cannabis may alleviate side effects from cancer treatments, such as nausea and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to help manage chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a renowned psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, recently obtained a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her research into the impact of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system’s power to combat cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s key protector against infections and various diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep disorders. However, Dr. Ashare is cautious, acknowledging established indicators of possible adverse effects from cannabis and immunotherapy interactions.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment turn to cannabis for symptom relief, both during and after their medical regimens. Given the limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate its benefits for patients.
She and her team will explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients, aiming to determine whether cannabis may positively influence treatment efficacy or potentially hinder it.
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 linked to cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment initiative will target 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To gain a comprehensive understanding, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will retain the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer cannabis or edibles.
The grant also aims to analyze the effects of neighborhood disadvantages on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
This research team combines diverse 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 impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also focused on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown some effectiveness in preventing vomiting induced by chemotherapy. Clinical studies indicate that using cannabis can significantly suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press found that a considerable percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) reported an increase in appetite. A small number of THC-treated patients noted no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but with THC, patients can improve their intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom for individuals dealing with cancer, stemming from the disease itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A detailed analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in helping patients manage pain. The study shows a consistent decrease in overall medication use during quarterly check-ups, with a notable reduction in opioid consumption during the initial three sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, battery-powered device designed to vaporize cannabis oil or concentrates, which are popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for the cannabis concentrates. cannabis provides versatile 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 wish to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may lower health risks associated with carcinogens, as indicated by studies comparing smoking to vaping. Research has shown a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who vape.
More Effective
A comprehensive study conducted by MAPS and California NORML revealed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape, outperforming the 25% conversion rate of a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be challenging when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For individuals new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. Modern cannabis vape pens, with adjustable settings, allow users to finely control their dosage per inhalation.
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 aimed at studying the effects of cannabis present promising opportunities for cancer patients navigating various treatment options. They enable patients to discover cost-effective relief while potentially reducing the adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, early results are already showing encouraging outcomes 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 ease of use, allowing users to load their favorite concentrates. In contrast, cannabis pens come preloaded with vape extracts in pods and cartridges, illustrating the distinction between vaporizers adaptable to various cannabis extracts and those specifically made for 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 potent, flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance flavor.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Responses to cannabis can vary significantly due to individual differences in the endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be learned about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual reactions.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing a definitive answer regarding the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen is challenging. Different manufacturers offer varying concentrations. For instance, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration might yield around 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering approximately 4mg of THC.
How does a THC pen work?
Prefilled THC oil cartridge- Attach the cartridge to the battery.
- Activate the battery by pressing the button three or five times.
- An LED light will indicate that the device is ready for use when you press the button while inhaling.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully place a small amount of concentrate on the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five button presses.
- Inhale while holding the button, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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