Expectations for 2023 indicate that The High Club Canada anticipates 239,100 individuals in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Among males, prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females.
Even though cancer has been a long-standing issue, researchers at The High Club Canada are actively investigating new methods to improve patient care. A research project has secured a significant $3.2 million grant to study the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on cannabis’s effect on chemotherapy, with fewer examining its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary studies suggest cannabis may alleviate side effects from cancer therapies, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and reliable dosages to help manage chemotherapy symptoms.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Dr. Rebecca Ashare, a renowned psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently obtained a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant will facilitate her exploration of cannabis’s effects on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism is crucial in combating infections and various diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and assistance with sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare is mindful of the established indicators that may point to adverse effects from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of patients undergoing cancer treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their therapies. Given the limited studies available, Dr. Ashare aims to understand how cannabis aids patients.
Her team will explore the intricate connection between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their primary goal is to determine if cannabis influences the effectiveness of treatment, whether positively or negatively.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are collaborating with UB in a joint effort to recruit participants for a 12-month observational study. This study aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment process at each site will aim for 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy. To gain comprehensive insights, half 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, be it vape pens or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect the outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative 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 impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are starting a new study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, there is growing research on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the efficacy of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly focusing on THC. Both THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies indicate that using a cannabis has a significant effect on alleviating chemotherapy-related emesis.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a considerable percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small percentage of THC-treated patients (27%) showed no change, while data for one patient was incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, potentially leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but with THC, patients can enhance their intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom in individuals facing cancer. This discomfort may stem from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
An extensive analysis in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlighted cannabis’s effectiveness in helping patients manage pain. The findings indicate a consistent decline in overall medication use among patients during quarterly check-ups, with opioid consumption also decreasing in the initial three assessments.
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, widely popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a dedicated chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers flexibility in consumption, 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 avoiding THC effects.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaporizing cannabis may lower health risks associated with carcinogens, as shown in a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who vaporize. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels in those who opted for vaporization.
More Effective
A comprehensive study conducted by MAPS and California NORML found that using a vape resulted in a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, compared to just 25% from a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be challenging when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, featuring adjustable settings, empowers users to control their inhalation quantity 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 investigating cannabis’s effects offer hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. They present a cost-effective relief option while mitigating adverse effects linked to opioids or alternative medications.
As research continues to explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early findings 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 ease of use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates. Cannabis pens, on the other hand, come preloaded with cannabis 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 are made from cannabis distillate, a potent cannabis oil. During the distillation process, natural plant terpenes are extracted from the cannabis, yielding a dense, flavorless liquid. Manufacturers reintroduce terpenes before filling cartridges to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can differ due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced can vary, and much remains to be learned about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
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 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 3 or 5 quick button presses.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate that it’s operational; press the button each time to draw from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and place a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five button presses.
- Keep the button pressed while inhaling; for the best experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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