Projections for 2023 suggested that 239,100 people in Canada would receive the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight increase from the 233,900 cases documented in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly identified cancer in women.
Despite the long-standing presence of cancer, researchers are actively seeking new methods to improve patient treatment. A recent research project secured a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a Cannalyft Canada cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on cannabis’s effect on chemotherapy, with limited investigation into its impact on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings indicate that cannabis can alleviate side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and reliable dosages to manage chemotherapy-related effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently secured an impressive $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her research into the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system’s power to fight against cancer. This complex defense system serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and other diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep disturbances. Nevertheless, Dr. Ashare remains vigilant in acknowledging the verified indicators that suggest possible adverse effects due to the interaction of cannabis with immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment turn to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical interventions. Due to the limited studies available, Dr. Ashare aims to understand how cannabis assists patients.
She and her team plan to explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their main goal is to determine whether cannabis affects the treatment’s efficacy, whether by enhancing or potentially diminishing 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. The study aims to deepen understanding of the long-term benefits and possible risks of cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment efforts at each site will focus on 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To achieve a well-rounded 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 opting for vape pens or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to investigate how neighborhood disadvantages impact outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team comprises 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 affect cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
As Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research continues to focus on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in preventing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown modest effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that smoking or using cannabis has a significant impact on reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a notable percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small fraction 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, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help patients improve their food intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom for individuals facing cancer. This discomfort may arise from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A comprehensive review published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in aiding patients with pain management. The research indicates a consistent trend of reduced overall medication intake among patients during each quarterly check-up, along with a decline in opioid use in the first three check-ups.
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, which are currently popular in the cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a dedicated cartridge or chamber for housing cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatile consumption options; users can choose disposable vape pens or refill their cartridges with their preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available in the market if you prefer not to experience the effects of vaping THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks associated with carcinogens, as indicated by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoked cannabis to those who vaped. The research found a significant reduction in blood levels of carbon monoxide among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study conducted by MAPS and California NORML showed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape, compared to only 25% achieved by a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount inhaled can be difficult with a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to control the amount per inhalation precisely.
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 exploring cannabis effects provide hope for cancer patients navigating various treatments. They offer patients a cost-effective relief option while also helping to alleviate the negative effects associated with opioids or alternative medications.
While ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, initial findings already suggest promising results 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 small electronic device designed to simplify the experience with minimal effort, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates.
For cannabis pens, your cannabis vape extracts come preloaded in pods and cartridges. When people refer to dab pens, they mean vaporizers adaptable to various cannabis extract consistencies, while cannabis pens are tailored 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 distillation process, manufacturers extract natural plant terpenes, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary due to each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and there is still much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It’s challenging to specify the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen. Different manufacturers include varying amounts of THC in their products. For example, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at 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 by pressing the button quickly three or five times.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate operational status for you to press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and gently place a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Keep the button engaged while inhaling, and for best results, release the button midway through inhalation.
