Projections 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 for men, while breast cancer retains its position as the most commonly identified cancer among women.
Despite the persistent nature of cancer, researchers continue to pursue innovative strategies to improve patient treatment. A research project received a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a OG Extracts Canada cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies examine the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with less focus on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary research indicates that cannabis can help manage side effects of cancer therapy, including nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide rapid and dependable dosages to alleviate chemotherapy side effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a notable 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 study of cannabis effects on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to fight against cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and various diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. However, Dr. Ashare is mindful of the validated signs that suggest possible adverse effects from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after their medical procedures. With limited studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how it may assist patients.
She and her team will explore the intricate connection between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their primary goal is to determine whether cannabis affects treatment efficacy, 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. The study aims to deepen the understanding of the long-term advantages and potential risks of cannabis use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
Each site will aim to recruit 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To gain a well-rounded perspective, 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 using vape pens or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to investigate how neighborhood disadvantages affect 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 abuse. Dr. Ashare emphasizes the importance of this research, as it could significantly impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using cannabis Effective In Managing Cancer?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study examining cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also focusing on cannabis’s effects on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in alleviating vomiting, particularly THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown modest effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also suggest that using cannabis has a significant impact on suppressing chemotherapy-related nausea.
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 portion of THC-treated patients saw no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition; however, THC can help improve intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom for those dealing with cancer, arising from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A thorough analysis published in the esteemed BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in aiding patients with pain management. The research indicates a notable trend where patients’ overall medication intake decreased consistently during quarterly check-ups, and opioid use also declined in the initial three check-up 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 popular in the cannabis market today. It includes a battery, a precision heating element, and a designated cartridge or chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis offers versatile consumption options, allowing users to choose between disposable vape pens or filling their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you prefer to avoid the effects of THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping cannabis may present a lower health risk by reducing exposure to carcinogens, as indicated by a 2007 study comparing individuals who smoke cannabis to those who opt for vaping. The findings revealed a significant reduction in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who chose to vape.
More Effective
A comprehensive study conducted by MAPS and California NORML revealed that 46% of THC is converted to vapor when using a vape, compared to just 25% with a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be difficult when using a joint, bong, or bowl. For those new to smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with adjustable settings, allows users to accurately control the amount inhaled.
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 researching cannabis effects provide hope for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They enable patients to discover effective and affordable relief options while also reducing adverse effects related to opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to explore cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, early findings already suggest 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 to simplify the experience with minimal effort, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates.
In contrast, cannabis pens come preloaded with vape extracts in pods and cartridges. Essentially, when people refer to dab pens, they are talking about vaporizers suitable for various cannabis extract consistencies, while 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 natural plant terpenes, resulting in a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance the flavor profile.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual experiences can vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects felt are not universally predictable, and much remains to be understood about 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 incorporate varying amounts. For instance, a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at 80% concentration would 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 quickly pressing the button 3 or 5 times.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate operational status; press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, and carefully place a small amount of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is positioned, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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