Projections for 2023 indicate that 239,100 people in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases recorded in 2022. Coast to Coast Medicinals Canada
Among men, prostate cancer remains the most common diagnosis, while breast cancer continues to rank as the most frequently detected cancer in women.
Although cancer has been a persistent issue, researchers are continually seeking new methods to improve patient care. A research program has secured a significant $3.2 million grant to explore the potential benefits of cannabis-derived compounds, including those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on the role of cannabis in chemotherapy, with limited emphasis on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary research indicates that cannabis can alleviate side effects associated with cancer therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick and effective dosages to help manage chemotherapy-related symptoms.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a prominent psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently obtained a significant $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her examination of the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a promising frontier in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s capabilities to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s main protector against infections and various diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood improvement, and assistance with sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare remains aware of the documented signs indicating possible adverse effects stemming from the combination of cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical care. Given the limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate its benefits for patients.
She and her team plan to explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their primary goal is to determine whether 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 UB 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 undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will aim for 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. For a comprehensive analysis, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will avoid cannabis.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer using cannabis or edibles.
The secondary objective of the grant is to evaluate how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team leading this initiative brings together 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 greatly influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on this new study regarding cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also examining the effects of cannabis on cancer treatment.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, with particular focus on THC. This compound, along with other synthetic cannabinoids, has shown a modest effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that inhaling cannabis through cannabis has a significant impact on minimizing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a significant number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced increased appetite. A small percentage of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), with data from one patient being incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, potentially leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve patient intake.
Pain
Pain frequently emerges as a common symptom in cancer patients. This discomfort may stem from cancer, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A comprehensive study published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of cannabis in aiding pain management for patients. The research illustrates a notable trend in which patients’ overall medication intake decreased during each quarterly check-up, with opioid consumption also declining in the initial three sessions.
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 available in today’s cannabis market. Comprising a battery, a heating element, and a dedicated chamber for cannabis concentrates, cannabis offers versatile consumption options. Users can select disposable vape pens or choose to fill their own cartridges with their preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis via vaping may reduce health risks such as exposure to carcinogens, as shown by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis to those who vape. The results indicated a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who opted for vaping.
More Effective
A thorough examination by MAPS and California NORML revealed that vaping achieves a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor, outperforming the 25% conversion associated with a standard cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating 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 allows users to finely control the amount consumed per inhalation.
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 the effects of cannabis provide hope for cancer patients navigating various treatments. This research enables patients to discover cost-effective relief options while potentially reducing adverse effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to investigate cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, early results indicate encouraging findings 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 individuals to load their preferred concentrates.
In contrast, cannabis vape pens come preloaded with extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they mean vaporizers compatible with various cannabis extract consistencies, whereas cannabis pens are specifically 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 the natural terpenes from the cannabis, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses may vary due to each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and there remains much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individual reactions.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing a precise answer regarding the amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen can be challenging, as manufacturers use varying levels. For instance, 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.
How does a THC pen work?
Prefilled THC oil cartridge
- Connect the cartridge to the battery.
- Activate the battery by pressing the button three to five times.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate that it’s ready for use when you press the button to draw from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, then place a small amount of concentrate onto the coils.
- After placing the concentrate, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Keep the button pressed while inhaling, and for the best experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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