Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 individuals in Canada are expected to receive the serious diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases documented in 2022.
Among males, prostate cancer remains the leading diagnosis, while breast cancer continues to be the most prevalent type identified in females.
Even though cancer has been around for a long time, researchers are continuously seeking new methods to improve patient treatment. A significant research project has been awarded 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 focuses on the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide rapid and effective dosages to help manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a respected psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has secured a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her research on the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s strength to fight against cancer. This complex defense mechanism is essential for protecting the body from infections and other ailments.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and improved sleep quality. Dr. Ashare, however, is mindful of the documented risks that may arise from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment turn to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical care. With limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to understand how it assists patients.
She and her team will investigate the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy. Their primary goal is to determine whether cannabis could positively influence the efficacy of the treatment or possibly reduce its 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 study aims to improve understanding of the long-term benefits and possible risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will focus on 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer. 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 have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer to use cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative consists of experts 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 influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective in Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study exploring cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also focused on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess how various cannabinoids can alleviate vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. This compound, along with other synthetic cannabinoids, has shown some effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that using cannabis can significantly suppress chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press found that a significant percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small number of THC-treated patients showed no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help patients improve their nutritional intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom for those dealing with cancer, often resulting from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
A thorough review published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in helping patients manage pain. The research indicates a trend where patients’ overall medication usage decreased consistently during quarterly check-ups, with a notable reduction in opioid use during the first three assessments.
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, popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a cartridge or chamber for housing cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers a versatile consumption method, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or refillable cartridges with their preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who prefer to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks associated with carcinogens, as a 2007 study comparing smoking and vaping cannabis indicates a significant decrease in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML revealed a conversion rate of 46% of THC to vapor when using a vape, compared to only 25% achieved by a standard cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount inhaled can be difficult with joints, bongs, or bowls. For those new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to finely control their dosage per inhalation.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL, Strain: Herb Approach Canada, THC: 93-95%, 510 Thread: Fits any vape battery, Effect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mL, Strain: Herb Approach Canada, 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: Herb Approach Canada, THC: 93-95%, Rechargeable, Effect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at exploring the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They enable patients to discover cost-effective relief options while potentially reducing adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate the impact of cannabis on immunotherapy, initial findings already suggest promising outcomes for those 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 preferred concentrates. In contrast, cannabis pens come preloaded with extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, dab pens refer to vaporizers compatible with 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 are filled with cannabis distillate, a potent 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, terpenes are reintroduced 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 can be unpredictable, and there is still much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual reactions.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing an exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen is challenging, as different manufacturers use varying concentrations. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields about 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 through a series of button presses.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate it’s operational for you to press the button each time you inhale.
- 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 consecutive button presses.
- Keep the button pressed while inhaling, releasing it midway for an optimal experience.
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