Projections for the year 2023 indicated that The Healing Co Canada anticipates 239,100 individuals in Canada would face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Among males, prostate cancer remains the leading diagnosis, while breast cancer continues to be the most frequently detected cancer in females.
As cancer research progresses, scientists at The Healing Co Canada are actively seeking innovative ways to improve patient treatment. A significant grant of $3.2 million has been allocated to study the potential benefits of cannabis-derived compounds, including those found in a cannabis, in enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on cannabis’s influence on chemotherapy, with limited exploration into its effects on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings suggest that cannabis can help manage side effects of cancer therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- cannabis can provide quick and reliable dosages to alleviate chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Dr. Rebecca Ashare, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has secured a $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to examine the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a new frontier in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s power to combat cancer effectively. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary shield against infections and diseases.
Reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Dr. Ashare is mindful of existing evidence indicating possible adverse effects stemming from cannabis use alongside immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer treatment patients have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their therapies. Given the limited research on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how cannabis may assist patients.
Her team will explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy, aiming to determine whether cannabis positively influences treatment efficacy or potentially hinders it.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are partnering with UB for a 12-month observational study focusing on the long-term benefits and risks of cannabis use in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment effort will target 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy, splitting them into two groups: cannabis users and non-users.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer cannabis or edibles.
The grant’s secondary goal is to investigate how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team combines expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse. Dr. Ashare emphasizes the critical nature of this research, as it could transform cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare’s team embarks on new research about cannabis and immunotherapy, numerous studies have already been conducted on cannabis’s impact on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have actively explored the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in preventing vomiting, with particular focus on THC. Studies indicate that THC and other synthetic cannabinoids can modestly reduce chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Smoking or using cannabis has shown significant effects in managing chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
Research published in the Oxford University Press revealed that a considerable percentage of THC-treated patients (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller group saw no change (27%), and data for one patient was incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC may help improve intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom for those battling cancer, arising from the disease itself, treatments, or other factors.
A review in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the role of cannabis in pain management. The study indicates a consistent decrease in overall medication intake among patients during quarterly evaluations, with a notable decline in opioid use during the initial three assessments.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen is a compact, battery-powered device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, widely used in today’s cannabis market. Comprising a battery, heating element, and a chamber for cannabis concentrates, cannabis provides versatile consumption options. Users can choose disposable pens or refillable cartridges with their favorite cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you prefer to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may reduce health risks associated with carcinogens. A 2007 study comparing smokers and vapers revealed lower blood levels of carbon monoxide in those who vaped.
More Effective
A comprehensive analysis by MAPS and California NORML found that vaping yielded a 46% conversion of THC to vapor, significantly higher than the 25% achieved with a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating inhalation amounts can be challenging with joints, bongs, or bowls. For beginners, an excessive intake can be overwhelming. Modern cannabis vape pens, with adjustable settings, allow users to finely control their dosage.
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 focused on studying cannabis effects provide hope for cancer patients navigating various treatments, allowing for cost-effective relief while minimizing adverse effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to examine cannabis’s influence on immunotherapy, early results suggest encouraging 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 device designed for ease of use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates. Cannabis pens typically come preloaded in pods and cartridges, whereas dab pens can accommodate various cannabis extract consistencies.
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, natural terpenes are extracted, resulting in a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. Terpenes are reintroduced before filling cartridges to enhance flavor.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses vary based on each person’s unique endocannabinoid system. Effects are not universally predictable, and there is still much to learn about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual experiences.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Determining the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen is challenging, as it varies by manufacturer. For example, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at 80% concentration contains 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 to five times.
- A light will indicate it’s ready; press the button while inhaling from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and place a small portion of concentrate onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery by pressing the button five times.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for the best experience, release midway through.
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