Projections for the year 2023 indicated that 239,100 individuals in Canada would face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, a slight increase from the 233,900 cases reported in 2022. Budmail Canada
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer among females.
Even though cancer has existed for a long time, researchers are actively seeking new ways to improve patient treatment. A research project has been awarded a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a cannabis, in enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies examine the influence of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited focus on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a respected psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently been awarded a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant will support her research into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment that harnesses the immune system’s power to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and diseases.
Several reports highlight the potential benefits associated with cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Dr. Ashare, however, acknowledges the need to be aware of potential adverse effects from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals receiving cancer treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical interventions. Given the limited research available, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how cannabis might benefit patients.
She and her team will explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis can affect treatment effectiveness, either positively enhancing or potentially reducing 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 deepen the understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The participant recruitment at each site will focus on 450 individuals currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, 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 cannabis or other forms.
The secondary focus of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect cannabis use and immunotherapy outcomes.
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 has the potential to influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective in Managing Cancer Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also being conducted 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. THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies indicate that smoking or using cannabis can significantly suppress chemotherapy-induced emesis.
Loss of Appetite
In a study published by the Oxford University Press, a significant percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) reported an increase in appetite. A smaller group of THC-treated patients experienced no change (27%). Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, potentially leading to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC has been shown to improve intake.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom for many individuals dealing with cancer, stemming from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A comprehensive analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal underlines cannabis’s effectiveness in assisting patients with pain management. The research highlights a consistent trend of decreased overall medication use among patients during each quarterly check-up, including a decline in opioid consumption during the initial three check-up sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact and efficient battery-powered device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates that are prevalent in today’s cannabis market. It includes a battery, a precision heating element, and a chamber for housing cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexibility in consumption, allowing users to choose 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 can potentially lower health risks associated with carcinogen exposure, as evidenced by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoked cannabis with those who vaped. The findings showed a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who vaped.
More Effective
A thorough examination conducted by MAPS and California NORML found that using a vape results in a notable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, compared to just 25% from a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
It can be challenging to gauge the amount of each inhale when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For inexperienced smokers, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with its adjustable settings, allows users to precisely control the amount inhaled.
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 Budmail Canada
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 exploring the effects of cannabis offer hope for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments, providing them with a cost-effective relief option while potentially reducing adverse effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies examine cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early findings already suggest positive results for individuals receiving 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 usage of concentrates. It allows users to load their preferred extracts easily.
Cannabis pens, on the other hand, come with preloaded pods and cartridges. When people refer to dab pens, they mean vaporizers suitable for various cannabis extract consistencies. In contrast, the term cannabis pen refers to devices 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 plant terpenes, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers add terpenes back to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Responses can vary due to each individual’s unique endocannabinoid system. The effects are not universally predictable, and there remains much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing a definitive answer on the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen is challenging, as different manufacturers use varying amounts of THC. For example, a vape pen containing 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 the device is ready for use each time you press the button to draw from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully place a small amount of concentrate onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five quick button presses.
- Continue pressing the button while inhaling; for optimal experience, release the button halfway through inhalation.
