Expectations for 2023 indicated that 239,100 individuals in Canada would face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases recorded in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females.
Despite the long-standing nature of cancer, researchers are continuously investigating new methods to improve patient care. A significant research project has been awarded a $3.2 million grant to explore the potential benefits of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a CannaBlossom Canada cannabis, in enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on the role of cannabis in chemotherapy, with fewer examining its effects on immunotherapy.
- Initial research suggests that cannabis can alleviate side effects from cancer treatments, 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 professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will aid her research into the impact of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system’s capabilities to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s protector against infections and various diseases.
Numerous studies highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare remains mindful 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 medical care. Due to the limited research available, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how it may assist patients.
Her team will delve into the complex relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy among patients. Their main goal is to determine if cannabis influences the treatment’s effectiveness, either positively or negatively.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are collaborating with the University at Buffalo to recruit participants for a 12-month observational study. This study aims to enhance understanding of the long-term benefits and possible risks associated with cannabis use in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment effort at each site will focus on 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer. To gain a well-rounded 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 vape pens 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 comprises a diverse range of expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance use. Dr. Ashare emphasizes the importance of this research, as it may influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are initiating a new study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also being conducted on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have been actively conducting trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, with a particular focus on THC. This and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also suggest that using cannabis has a significant impact on alleviating chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published by Oxford University Press found that a significant number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller percentage of THC-treated individuals reported no change (27%), with incomplete data for one patient. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, often leading to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC can help patients restore their intake.
Pain
Pain is frequently a common symptom for those dealing with cancer, which may result from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A comprehensive analysis published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in aiding pain management. The research reveals a consistent trend where patients’ overall medication use decreased during each quarterly evaluation, and opioid consumption also declined in the initial three check-ups.
Why Use cannabis for Treating Cancer Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, efficient battery-operated device that vaporizes cannabis oil or concentrates popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precision heating element, and a designated cartridge or chamber for 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 in the market for those who prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may lower health risks associated with carcinogens, as demonstrated by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis with those who vape. The study indicated a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who vaped.
More Effective
In a thorough examination conducted by MAPS and California NORML, the research showed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor when using a vape, compared to just 25% with a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount inhaled when using a joint, bong, or bowl can be difficult. For those new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, empowers users to control the amount per inhalation precisely.
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 exploring the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients navigating various treatments. They allow patients to discover cost-effective relief options while also reducing adverse effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, initial results already suggest positive 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 easy use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates. Cannabis pens, however, come with preloaded cannabis vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they’re discussing vaporizers compatible with various cannabis extract forms, while cannabis pens are specifically 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 from the cannabis to create a dense, 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?
Responses can vary due to the unique nature of each individual’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and further investigation is needed to understand how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Determining the exact 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 might yield around 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 it’s operational, and you can press the button to draw from the mouthpiece.
- 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 five consecutive button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for the best experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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