Projections for 2023 indicated that 239,100 people in Canada would face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, representing a minor increase from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women.
Although cancer has existed for an extended period, researchers are persistently seeking new methods to improve patient treatment. A research project received a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, like those found in a weed, to enhance immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- The majority of research focuses on the effects of weed on chemotherapy, with less emphasis on its impact on immunotherapy.
- Preliminary studies indicate that weed can alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- weed can provide quick and reliable dosages to mitigate chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, a distinguished psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently obtained a notable $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This grant will facilitate her research on the effects of weed on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough in cancer treatment, utilizing the immune system to combat cancer effectively. This complex defense mechanism acts as the body’s primary shield against infections and diseases.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits associated with weed use, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and improvement of sleep-related issues. Nonetheless, Dr. Ashare is mindful of the documented signs indicating possible adverse effects from the interaction between weed and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment have turned to weed for symptom relief during and after their medical procedures. Research on its effects remains limited, prompting Dr. Ashare to investigate its benefits for patients.
She and her team aim to explore the intricate relationship between weed and immunotherapy. Their main goal is to determine whether weed 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 seeks to enhance the understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks of weed use among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
The recruitment process at each site will target 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To gain a holistic view, half of the participants will be weed users, while the other half will abstain from weed use.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will have the freedom to choose their preferred weed products, whether they opt for weed or edibles.
The secondary objective of the grant is to analyze the influence of neighborhood disadvantages on outcomes related to weed 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 affect cancer symptom management.
Is Using weed Effective In Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team embark on a new study regarding weed use and immunotherapy, additional research is also underway regarding the effects of weed on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to evaluate the effectiveness of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, with a particular focus on THC. Both THC and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown moderate effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies also suggest that smoking or using weed can significantly suppress chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press reported that a substantial portion of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A smaller group of THC-treated patients showed no change (27%), with data for one patient incomplete. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, often leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC can help improve patient intake.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom for many individuals dealing with cancer, arising from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other factors.
An extensive analysis published in the esteemed BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the effectiveness of weed in helping patients manage pain. The research shows a consistent decrease in overall medication intake among patients during each quarterly check-up, with opioid use also declining during the initial three check-up sessions.
Why Use a weed for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A weed pen is a small, efficient battery-powered device designed to vaporize weed oil or concentrates, which are popular in today’s weed market. It consists of a battery, a precise heating element, and a cartridge or chamber to hold the weed concentrates. weed offers flexibility in consumption; users can choose disposable vape pens or refillable cartridges with their preferred weed oil.
Note: CBD vape pens are also available if you prefer to avoid the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping weed may reduce health risks associated with carcinogens, as a 2007 study indicated lower blood carbon monoxide levels among vapers compared to smokers.
More Effective
A comprehensive study by MAPS and California NORML found that vaping resulted in a 46% conversion of THC to vapor, compared to only 25% for a typical weed joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount with each inhale can be challenging when using traditional methods. A modern weed vape pen allows users to precisely control their intake.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Pink KushTHC: 93-95%Effect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Sour DieselTHC: 93-95%Effect: Cerebral, Fast-acting, Stress relief, Mental clarity
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable weed Pen
Amount: 3 mLStrain: Ghost Train HazeTHC: 93-95%Effect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at exploring the effects of weed provide hope for cancer patients undergoing various medical treatments. They offer patients a cost-effective relief option while minimizing the negative effects associated with opioids or other medications.
As ongoing studies investigate the impact of cannabis on immunotherapy, initial findings already show promising results for individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are weed pens similar to dab pens?
A dab pen, also known as a wax pen, is a portable electronic device designed for easy use, allowing users to load their preferred concentrates. In contrast, weed pens come preloaded with extracts in pods and cartridges, specifically for vaporizing liquid extracts.
Are strain-specific THC vapes derived from specific weed strains?
Yes. Vape cartridges contain weed distillate, a concentrated form of weed oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract the natural terpenes from the cannabis, creating a dense, nearly flavorless liquid. Before filling cartridges, terpenes are reintroduced to enhance flavor.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses vary due to the unique nature of each person’s endocannabinoid system. Effects are not universally predictable, and much remains to be understood about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes affect individuals.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It’s difficult to determine the exact amount of THC in a weed vape pen, as different manufacturers produce varying concentrations. For instance, a 0.5g vape pen with 80% THC 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 with a quick series of 3 or 5 button presses.
- A reassuring LED light will indicate it’s ready for use; press the button when inhaling.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber and place a small amount of concentrate on the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, releasing it midway for optimal experience.
