Projections for 2023 estimate that 239,100 people in Canada will receive the challenging diagnosis of cancer, indicating a slight rise from the 233,900 cases reported in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis in males, while breast cancer retains its position as the most commonly identified cancer among females.
Even though cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers continue to seek new ways to improve patient treatment. A research project has recently secured a significant $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a Crystal Cloud 9 Canada cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies examine the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited focus on its influence on immunotherapy.
- Early research indicates that cannabis can help manage side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide rapid and reliable dosages to alleviate chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently obtained a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will support her research into cannabis effects on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system’s power to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and assistance with sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare remains aware of established indicators that suggest possible adverse effects from the interaction of cannabis with immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical interventions. Given the limited research on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to understand how cannabis might assist patients.
She and her team will investigate the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy. Their primary goal is to determine whether cannabis may influence treatment effectiveness, 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 receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment effort at each site will focus on 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To achieve a comprehensive perspective, half will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis use.
In contrast to traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer to use vape pens or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to analyze the effects of neighborhood disadvantages on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative encompasses 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 influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment 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 impact 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 also indicate that using cannabis has a significant effect on suppressing chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a substantial portion of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller percentage of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), with data for one patient being incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC can help patients improve their intake.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom experienced by individuals battling cancer. This discomfort may stem from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
An extensive analysis featured in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in aiding pain management for patients. The research underscores a notable trend where patients’ overall medication usage decreased steadily during each quarterly check-up, with opioid consumption also declining during the initial three sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a small, efficient battery-powered device designed to vaporize cannabis oil or concentrates, which are popular in the cannabis market today. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a cartridge or chamber to contain the cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatility in consumption, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or filling their own cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available in the market if you prefer to avoid the effects of THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks linked to carcinogens, as revealed by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who use vaporizers. The study indicated a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among vapers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML found that vaping resulted in a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, compared to just 25% achieved by a standard cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Accurately gauging the amount of each inhale can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, allows users to finely control the amount per inhalation.
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 focused on studying the effects of cannabis offer hope for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. They provide patients with a cost-effective relief option while also reducing adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, preliminary findings already suggest positive 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 portable electronic device designed to simplify the experience of using concentrates. It allows users to load their preferred concentrates easily.
In contrast, cannabis pens come with preloaded cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. When people refer to dab pens, they are typically talking about vaporizers that can handle various consistencies of cannabis extract. Conversely, the term cannabis pen refers to pens 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 from the cannabis, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the flavor profile of the liquid.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be understood about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Determining the precise amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen can be challenging, as different manufacturers use varying amounts. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields 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 quickly three to five times.
- A reassuring LED light will signal the operational status, allowing you to press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and carefully 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 pressed while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through the inhalation.
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