Expectations for 2023 indicated that West Coast Cannabis Canada would see 239,100 individuals in Canada receive the challenging diagnosis of cancer, a slight rise from the 233,900 cases documented in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females.
Even with cancer being a longstanding issue, researchers are actively seeking new ways to improve patient treatment. A research project has received a generous $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, like those in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on cannabis’s effects on chemotherapy, with limited investigation into its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary findings suggest that cannabis may alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to help manage chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently achieved a significant $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 capabilities to combat cancer effectively.
Various reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and improvement in sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare remains aware of the documented risks associated with the interaction of cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment turn to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their therapies. Given the limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to understand how it may assist patients.
Her team will explore the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis influences treatment efficacy, 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 enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment will focus on 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy. To provide a comprehensive view, half will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, be it cannabis or edibles.
The secondary goal of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team comprises varied expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse. Dr. Ashare emphasizes the importance of this research, which could significantly influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective in Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
As Dr. Ashare and her team initiate their study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research continues to focus on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials assessing different cannabinoids’ effectiveness in reducing vomiting, particularly THC. THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies indicate that using cannabis may significantly suppress chemotherapy-triggered nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press found that a substantial number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced increased appetite. A smaller portion (27%) reported no change, while data from one patient were inconclusive. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatments, leading to weight loss and malnutrition; THC may help improve intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom for cancer patients, resulting from the cancer itself, treatments, or other factors.
A comprehensive study in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlighted cannabis’s role in aiding pain management for patients. The findings showed a consistent reduction in overall medication use during quarterly check-ups, including a decline in opioid consumption during the first three check-ups.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, battery-operated device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, which are widely popular in the cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a chamber to hold cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexible consumption options, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or refillable cartridges with their preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may lower health risks such as exposure to carcinogens. A 2007 study comparing smokers to vapers found a significant reduction in carbon monoxide levels among those who chose to vape.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML revealed that using a vape pen resulted in a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, surpassing the 25% achieved through traditional smoking methods.
Manage Intake
Estimating intake accurately can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For inexperienced smokers, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, allows users to precisely control their inhalation amounts.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL | Strain: Pink Kush | THC: 93-95% | 510 Thread: Fits any vape battery | Effect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL | Strain: Sour Diesel | THC: 93-95% | 510 Thread: Fits any vape battery | Effect: Cerebral, Fast-acting, Stress relief, Mental clarity
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable Cannabis Pen
Amount: 3 mL | Strain: Ghost Train Haze | THC: 93-95% | Rechargeable | Effect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at studying cannabis effects present new hope for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They provide patients with an affordable relief option while potentially reducing adverse effects associated with opioids and other medications.
While ongoing research continues to explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early results show promising 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 easy use with minimal effort, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates.
Cannabis pens, on the other hand, come preloaded with cannabis vape extracts contained within pods and cartridges. Dab pens refer to vaporizers that can handle 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 consist of cannabis distillate, a concentrated form of cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract natural plant terpenes from cannabis, resulting in a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. They reintroduce terpenes before filling the cartridges to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses to cannabis vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be discovered regarding how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It is challenging to determine the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen, as different manufacturers use varying concentrations. For example, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration may 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 by pressing the button three or five times.
- A light will indicate that the device is operational; press the button when inhaling.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and place a small amount of concentrate onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery by pressing the button five times.
- Hold the button while inhaling, releasing it midway for the best experience.
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