Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 people in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, whereas breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer identified in females.
Although cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers are actively pursuing innovative strategies to improve patient treatment. A significant research project has been awarded a $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, including those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- The majority of research focuses on how cannabis affects chemotherapy, with fewer studies on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary studies suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and consistent dosages to help manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Dr. Rebecca Ashare, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently obtained a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her exploration of cannabis effects on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system’s power to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Nevertheless, Dr. Ashare remains vigilant in acknowledging the documented signs of possible adverse effects from cannabis and immunotherapy interactions.
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 its benefits for patients.
The research team will examine the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy in patients. Their main goal is to determine if cannabis could 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 12-month observational study. This research aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment process will target 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To ensure a broader perspective, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis use.
Unlike 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 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 influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research focuses on cannabis’s impact on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly THC. This compound, along with other synthetic cannabinoids, has shown some efficacy in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also suggest that using cannabis has a significant impact on mitigating chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press indicated that a significant number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller group of THC-treated patients showed no change (27%), with some data being incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC can help improve dietary intake.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom in individuals dealing with cancer, arising from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A thorough analysis in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in aiding pain management for patients. The research reveals a consistent trend of reduced overall medication use during quarterly check-ups. Additionally, opioid consumption decreased during the first three follow-up sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient, battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, widely popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a specific cartridge or chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexible consumption options, with users able to choose between disposable pens or filling their own cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available in the market for those who prefer to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis via vaping may lower health risks like exposure to carcinogens, as shown in a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoked cannabis to those who vaped. The findings revealed a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML found that vaping can convert 46% of THC to vapor, which is higher than the 25% conversion achieved with a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to control their inhalation volume precisely.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL
Strain: Pacific Green Canada
THC: 93-95%
Effect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable cannabis Pen
Amount: 3 mL
Strain: Pacific Green Canada
THC: 93-95%
Effect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants focused on studying cannabis effects offer hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. This research allows patients to discover cost-effective relief options while minimizing the side effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to explore cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, preliminary results 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 easy use. It enables users to load their preferred concentrates with minimal effort.
In contrast, cannabis pens come with pre-loaded vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers suitable for various cannabis extract consistencies, while cannabis pens are specifically for vaporizing liquid extracts.
Are strain-specific THC vapes derived from specific cannabis strains?
Yes. Vape cartridges contain cannabis distillate, a potent form of cannabis oil. During the Pacific Green Canada process, manufacturers extract natural terpenes from the cannabis, resulting in a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses vary due to each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be uncovered about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
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, as different manufacturers use varying amounts in their products. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields 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 by quickly pressing the button 3 or 5 times.
- A reassuring LED light will signal the operational status, allowing 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 on the coils.
- Once the concentrate is in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Maintain continuous button engagement while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through the inhalation.
