Projections for 2023 indicated that Just Cannabis Canada anticipates 239,100 individuals in Canada would face the serious diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases reported in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to be the most commonly identified cancer among females.
Although cancer has been a persistent challenge, researchers at Just Cannabis Canada are actively seeking innovative methods to improve patient treatment. A recent initiative received a significant $3.2 million grant to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, like those found in a cannabis, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies examine the effects of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited focus on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary studies indicate that cannabis can help manage side effects of cancer therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- cannabis can provide quick 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 secured a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding will facilitate her research into the effects of cannabis on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a frontier in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system’s power to fight against cancer. This complex defense mechanism serves as the body’s primary protector against infections and diseases.
Multiple reports highlight the potential benefits of cannabis use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and addressing sleep issues. Dr. Ashare, however, remains cautious about recognizing the established indicators that suggest possible adverse effects from cannabis interactions with immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer treatment patients have turned to cannabis for symptom relief during and after medical interventions. Given the scarcity of studies on its effects, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate how cannabis can assist patients.
She and her team plan to explore the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy. Their main 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. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the long-term benefits and risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment efforts at each site will focus on 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy. To achieve a comprehensive view, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will abstain from cannabis.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will retain the freedom to choose their cannabis products, whether they prefer cannabis or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to analyze the impact of neighborhood disadvantage on outcomes related to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The research team comprises 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 are launching a new study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, additional research is also focusing on cannabis’s impact on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also suggest that using cannabis may have a significant impact on suppressing chemotherapy-related nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press found that a significant number of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small percentage of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss can occur due to cancer treatment, leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help patients improve their intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom in individuals dealing with cancer, arising from the disease itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A thorough review published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights cannabis’s effectiveness in aiding patients with pain management. The research indicates a consistent reduction in overall medication intake among patients during quarterly check-ups, with a noted decrease in opioid use during the first three sessions.
Why Use a cannabis for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A cannabis pen serves as a compact and efficient battery-powered device designed for vaporizing cannabis oil or concentrates, popular in today’s cannabis market. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a chamber for cannabis concentrates. cannabis provides versatile consumption options, allowing users to choose disposable pens or refill their cartridges with preferred cannabis oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available for those who wish to avoid the effects of THC cannabis extracts.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis through vaping may reduce health risks associated with exposure to carcinogens, as shown in a 2007 study comparing smokers to vapers. The research revealed a significant drop in blood carbon monoxide levels for those who chose vaping.
More Effective
A study conducted by MAPS and California NORML found that using a vape pen resulted in an impressive 46% conversion of THC to vapor, compared to only 25% achieved with a traditional cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount inhaled can be challenging with joints, bongs, or bowls. For those unfamiliar with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen allows users to finely control the amount inhaled.
Conclusion
Grants aimed at studying cannabis effects provide hopeful prospects for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. It enables patients to explore cost-effective relief options while also minimizing the negative effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies continue to examine cannabis’s impact on immunotherapy, preliminary 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 for ease of use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates effortlessly.
On the other hand, cannabis 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. Conversely, 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 potent cannabis oil form. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract natural plant terpenes, producing 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 responses vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and much remains to be discovered regarding how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Providing a definitive answer on the exact amount of THC in a cannabis vape pen is challenging. Different manufacturers use varying amounts of THC in their products. For example, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields 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.
- An LED light will indicate when it’s operational; press the button while drawing from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, and place a small amount of concentrate onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece, activate the battery with five button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, and for the best experience, release the button midway through inhalation.
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