Anticipations for the year 2023 projected that 239,100 individuals in Canada would receive the daunting diagnosis of cancer, which reflects a slight increase from the 233,900 cases reported in 2022.
Prostate cancer maintains its status as the predominant cancer diagnosis among males, while breast cancer continues to hold the top position as the most frequently identified cancer among females.
Despite cancer persisting for a considerable duration, scientists are still exploring innovative avenues to enhance patient treatment. A research initiative received a substantial grant of $3.2 million to investigate the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, such as those found in a THC vape pen, in bolstering immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most research studies investigate the influence of cannabis on chemotherapy, with limited attention given to its effects on immunotherapy.
- Initial studies show that cannabis can manage cancer therapy’s side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
- THC pens can deliver fast and reliable dosages to manage chemotherapy effects.
The Grant for Cancer Immunotherapy and Marijuana
Rebecca Ashare, PhD, an esteemed psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, has recently secured a noteworthy $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This substantial grant will support her investigation into the effects of cannabis on patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy stands as a frontier in cancer treatment by leveraging the power of the immune system to combat the formidable adversary that is cancer. This intricate defence mechanism is the body’s stalwart guardian against infections and various diseases.
Several reports underscore the promising benefits associated with cannabis use, including pain relief, mood elevation, and addressing sleep-related issues. Dr. Ashare, however, remains conscientious in recognizing the substantiated indicators that hint at potential adverse effects resulting from the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy.
Around 40% of individuals undergoing cancer treatment resorted to cannabis for alleviating symptoms, both during and after their medical interventions. Studies on its impact are few, so Dr. Ashare wanted to see how it helps patients.
She and her team will want to delve into the intricate relationship between cannabis and immunotherapy for patients. Their primary objective is to ascertain whether cannabis may have an impact on the effectiveness of the treatment, whether positively enhancing or potentially diminishing it.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are partnering with UB in a collaborative effort to enlist participants for a 12-month observational study. The primary focus of this study is to advance the understanding of the long-term benefits and potential risks associated with cannabis use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment process at each site will target 450 participants currently receiving immunotherapy for cancer treatment. To achieve a comprehensive perspective, half of the participants will be cannabis users, while the other half will refrain from cannabis use.
Unlike conventional randomized studies, participants will retain autonomy over their choice of cannabis products, whether they want to use vape pens or edibles.
The secondary objective of the grant is to scrutinize the impact of neighbourhood disadvantage on outcomes tied to cannabis use and immunotherapy.
The team spearheading this initiative brings together diverse expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse. Dr. Ashare actively underscores the significance of this research, as it may impact cancer symptom management.
Is Using Cannabis Weed Vape Pens Effective In Managing Cancer?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are embarking on a new study on cannabis use and immunotherapy, there is also more research focusing on the impact of cannabis on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have actively conducted trials to evaluate the effectiveness of different cannabinoids in alleviating vomiting, with specific attention given to THC. The latter and other synthetic cannabinoids demonstrated a modest level of effectiveness in averting vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapy. Clinical studies also offer insights suggesting that smoking or THC vape pens marijuana has a noteworthy impact on suppressing chemotherapy-induced emesis.
Loss of Appetite
In a study featured in the Oxford University Press, a significant portion of patients treated with THC (64%) exhibited an augmentation in appetite. A minority of THC-treated patients experienced no change (27%), and data for one patient were incomplete. Appetite loss is a side effect of cancer treatment, which can lead to loss of weight and malnutrition, but with THC, patients can improve their intake.
Pain
Pain frequently manifests as a prevalent symptom in individuals grappling with cancer. This sensation may arise from the cancer, various treatments, or other contributory factors.
A comprehensive analysis featured in the esteemed BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal highlights the efficacy of cannabis in assisting patients in pain management. The research underscores a noteworthy trend wherein the overall medication intake of patients decreased consistently during each quarterly check-up. Also, opioid consumption exhibited a decline in the initial three check-up sessions.
Why Use a THC Vape Pen for Treating Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A weed pen stands as a compact and efficient battery-powered apparatus designed for the vaporization of cannabis oil or concentrates popular in the cannabis market today. Comprising a battery, a precision heating element, and a dedicated cartridge or chamber to house the cannabis concentrates. THC vapes offer versatility in consumption. Users can opt for disposable vape pens or exercise the option to fill their own cartridges with their favoured cannabis oil.
Note: There are CBD vape pens also available in the market if you do not want to experience the effects of vaping THC cannabis extract.
Reduces Carcinogens
Inhaling cannabis through vaping presents a potential reduction in health risks like exposure to carcinogens, as indicated by a 2007 study contrasting individuals smoking cannabis with those opting for vaping. The research revealed a noteworthy decrease in blood levels of carbon monoxide among those who chose vaping.
More Effective
In a comprehensive examination conducted by MAPS and California NORML, the research revealed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapour when using a vape, which surpasses the mere 25% achieved by a typical cannabis joint.
Manage Intake
Accurately estimating the magnitude of each inhale can be challenging when utilizing a joint, bong, or bowl. For those unacquainted with smoking, an intake that is excessive in volume can be overwhelming. A modern cannabis vape pen, with its versatile settings, provides a solution by empowering users to regulate the quantity per inhalation finely.
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:SoothingCalmingRelaxing | |
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
| Amount: 1 mL | Strain: Sour Diesel |
| THC: 93-95% | 510 Thread: Fits any vape battery |
| Effect:CerebralFast-actingStress reliefMental clarity | |
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable Weed Pen
| Amount: 3 mL | Strain: Ghost Train Haze |
| THC: 93-95% | Rechargeable |
| Effect:EuphoricEnergeticHeightens creativity | |
Conclusion
Grants dedicated to investigating the effects of cannabis open up avenues of optimism for cancer patients navigating various medical treatments. It allows patients to find a cost-effective relief option while concurrently mitigating adverse effects associated with opioids or alternative medications.
While ongoing studies continue to delve into cannabis’ impact on immunotherapy, early findings already indicate promising results for individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are weed pens similar to dab pens?
A dab pen, or wax pen, stands as a compact electronic device crafted to simplify the experience with minimal exertion. It empowers users with the freedom to load their preferred concentrates.
For weed pens, your cannabis vape extracts arrive conveniently preloaded within pods and cartridges. In essence, when people mention dab pens, they are alluding to vaporizers adaptable to various consistencies of cannabis extract. On the other hand, the term weed pen denotes pens tailored for vaporizing liquid extracts.
Are strain-specific THC vapes derived from specific cannabis strains?
Yes. Vape cartridges contain cannabis distillate, a potent form of cannabis oil. During the distillation process, manufacturers extract the natural plant terpenes from the cannabis, which yields a dense and virtually flavourless liquid. Before filling the cartridges, manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to enhance the overall flavour profile of the liquid.
Will different pens make me feel different ways?
Individual responses can vary due to each person’s unique nature of the endocannabinoid system. The effects experienced are not universally predictable, and there is still much to uncover about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
It is challenging to provide a definitive answer on the exact amount of THC through a cannabis vape pen. Different manufacturers incorporate different amounts of THC in their products. An example calculation suggests that a vape pen containing 0.5g of THC oil at an 80% concentration yields around 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering approximately 4mg of THC.
How does a THC pen work?
Prefilled THC oil cartridge
- Begin by connecting the cartridge to the battery.
- Activate the battery through a quick series of 3 or 5 button presses.
- A reassuring LED light will signal the operational status for you to press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
THC concentrates pens
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, and delicately place a small portion of concentrate directly onto the coils.
- Once the concentrate is in place, reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Maintain continuous button engagement while inhaling, and for an optimal experience, release the button midway through the inhalation process.
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