Cachexia is a complex condition marked by ongoing muscle loss that can’t be fully reversed with regular nutrition support, leading to declining function. It can be obscured by excess weight, obesity, edema, or tumour mass. Anorexia refers to reduced appetite, usually seen in cancer patients, though its exact prevalence is uncertain.
When cachexia is mainly due to reduced intake, it’s called cancer-related cachexia and anorexia syndrome (CACS), which includes muscle wasting, lipolysis, and decreased food intake, unlike simple cachexia.
Some scholars believe that cannabis from weed delivery services could boost appetite and reduce nausea in cancer patients.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- THC capsules could help cancer patients eat more and feel less sick, which improves their quality of life.
- Research indicates cannabis affects brain cells that manage hunger, which could help with appetite issues in cancer patients and others.
- THC capsules are accurate, convenient, private, and long-lasting. They are ideal for medical marijuana users who don’t want to smoke.
Cancer Cachexia and Anorexia Syndrome
Cachexia is a condition marked by significant weight loss due to muscle and fat depletion, commonly seen in patients with advanced diseases like heart failure, HIV/AIDS, COPD, kidney failure, and especially cancer.
This usually accompanies anorexia, which is a reduced appetite leading to at least a 5% drop in body weight. Together, they form cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS).
Hospitalized cancer patients usually have poor dietary intake, with up to half being malnourished or at risk. Cachexia not only diminishes patients’ quality of life but also hampers treatment and can accelerate the end of life. Its prevalence rises sharply as death approaches, with cachexia cited as the primary cause of death in over 20% of cases.
Despite its widespread occurrence, CACS constantly goes unnoticed and untreated in clinical settings due to the lack of clear definitions, diagnostic criteria, classification systems, and approved therapies. Clinicians assess a patient’s nutritional status through various measures like body weight, skin fold thickness, and mid-arm circumference, though body weight is commonly relied upon, usually using inappropriate reference weights.
Treatment
The most obvious way to address anorexia is to improve nutrition – but evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. For cancer patients, nutritional care involves:
- Dietary Counselling
- Oral Supplements
- Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
However, the success varies depending on the cancer type and stage.
Pharmacological Approaches
Currently, there are no verified medications for treating Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome (CACS), but some drugs are used off-label or are in clinical trials. These medications fall into four categories based on their mechanisms:
- Appetite Stimulants
- Cytokine Modulators
- Anabolic Agents
- Combination Therapies
Additionally, megestrol acetate, a progestin, is used separately due to its unclear mechanism of action.
Cannabis in Medicine
The cannabinoid could boost the lives of cancer patients and lead to future treatments. This offers hope for cachexia patients, a condition where they lose appetite and become malnourished. It provides relief without intoxicating effects, making it a potential solution for these patients.
Various cannabis formulations with different effects are available, including inhaled THC for rapid onset and short-lived effects and orally ingested THC for slower absorption and longer-lasting effects. Sublingual administration offers a rapid onset and lasts for 2 to 4 hours.
Clinical Trial
A study conducted by scholars from Israel and the United States of America assessed how cannabis pills affect CACS in advanced cancer patients. This discovery leaves a huge impact on the treatment of appetite disorders such as those faced by cancer patients, individuals with anorexia, and potentially obesity.
Methods
They used cannabis capsules containing two types of oil-based compounds. They planned to treat participants with 10 mg doses twice daily for six months, which included 9.5 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 0.5 mg of cannabidiol (CBD).
If participants experienced side effects, they reduced the dose to 5 mg twice daily (4.75 mg THC and 0.25 mg CBD). At every doctor’s visit, they weighed the participants. The main goal was for participants to gain at least 10% more weight than their starting weight.
Results
Out of 24 patients who agreed to participate, 17 started treatment with cannabis capsules. However, only 11 continued taking the capsules for more than two weeks. By the end of the study, 3 out of 6 patients who completed the treatment achieved the primary goal of gaining at least 10% more weight. The weight of the other three patients remained the same.
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a marker of inflammation, dropped after the treatment. Patients noted better appetite and mood and less pain and tiredness.
Despite several challenges, this initial study showed a 10% or more weight gain in 3 out of 17 patients (17.6%) taking daily doses of 5 mg once or twice without notable side effects. These findings support conducting a larger, more controlled study on cannabis capsules in patients with CACS.
Cannabis Capsules
If you prefer edibles, a cannabis flower, or classic pre-rolls, discovering new ways to enjoy cannabis is always exciting.
THC capsules are one of the latest additions to the cannabis market. These capsules are cannabis pills containing a precise dose of THC, made from a concentrated cannabis extract and a neutral oil. They’re like cannabis tinctures in capsule form (they’re also known as cannabis oil capsules or THC pills).
Key Components
- Cannabis Extract. This concentrated extract is derived from the cannabis plant using a method chosen by the manufacturer for extraction. THC capsules are rich in THC, but some may contain only CBD or varying CBD/THC ratios.
- Neutral Oil Suspension: THC isn’t soluble in water, so it’s suspended in an oil for proper absorption by the body. The most common oils used are medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oils), aiding digestion and absorption.
Benefits
Medical marijuana patients and recreational users can benefit from cannabis capsules. They offer:
- Convenience: Taking a cannabis capsule is as easy as any other oral supplement. Just swallow it with water, no hassle.
- Precision Dosage: For medical users, precise control over cannabinoid intake is necessary for desired effects. With THC capsules, each dose is measured, eliminating guesswork.
- Smoke-Free Option: Many people prefer to avoid smoking or vaping due to personal preferences or health reasons. THC capsules offer a smoke-free alternative, suitable for individuals with respiratory issues.
- Longer Effects: Capsules commonly provide longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping, which makes them ideal for sustained relief from symptoms over several hours.
Cannabis Capsules vs. Other Forms of Medicinal Cannabis
| Aspect | Cannabis Capsules | Other Forms of Medicinal Cannabis |
| Dosing | Precise dosing with each capsule | Dosing may vary depending on the method of consumption (e.g., smoking, vaping, edibles) |
| Consumption | Oral ingestion | Smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures |
| Effects | Longer-lasting, gradual onset | Immediate onset, shorter duration |
| Effects on Appetite Stimulation | Gradual stimulation | Immediate stimulation |
Place a Medical Cannabis Delivery Order Conveniently
With the increasing demand for reliable weed delivery services, online dispensaries offer a seamless solution. From same-day weed delivery to high-quality cannabis products, these dispensaries provide a wide range of options to cater to every preference and need.
If you’re looking for cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, or vape pens, you can easily browse through GrassLife’s finest marijuana products from the highest quality marijuana plants. Shop for your favourite THC products from the comfort of your own home.
So why wait? Experience same-day delivery today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of capsules?
One more advantage of cannabis pills/capsules is their adaptability – formulators can create various capsule types for consumers to choose from. This means you can find capsules to suit your personal preference.
- 1:1 Capsules. These capsules deliver an equal ratio of THC to CBD in each dose. They can be made with sativa or indica strains and come in various concentrations like 5 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg cannabinoids per capsule.
- 3:1 Capsules. These capsules deliver a ratio of 3 parts CBD to 1 part THC in each dose.
- THC Capsules: These capsules contain THC only, with varying concentrations per capsule, made from different Sativa or Indica strains to offer specific effects.
- CBD Capsules: These only contain CBD, without THC, so they don’t cause mind-altering effects. They’re designed for individuals seeking the benefits of CBD alone.
How do capsules interact with your body?
- The capsule’s outer shell breaks down in your digestive tract once you consume it.
- The capsule’s contents are absorbed into the bloodstream.
- THC (and other cannabinoids) are metabolized in the liver.
How long does it take for cannabis capsule effects to kick in?
Commonly, THC capsules take about 90 minutes to start showing effects. The effects can last 5 to 12 hours, gradually diminishing in intensity. Compared to inhaled cannabis, capsule effects tend to last twice as long on average.
However, experiences may differ based on factors like age, medications, personal cannabis tolerance, and cannabinoid composition. Some users also notice different effects based on specific cannabinoids present, potentially due to the “entourage effect.”
How to mail order marijuana?
To mail order recreational cannabis, find a reliable delivery service online that offers the best quality cannabis products. After choosing your products, choose “order weed delivery,” and a delivery driver will safely bring your order. Ensure the service is reputable for a smooth purchase process.
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