Projections for 2023 estimate that 239,100 people in Canada will face the challenging diagnosis of cancer, marking a slight rise from the 233,900 cases noted in 2022.
Prostate cancer remains the leading cancer diagnosis among men, while breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women.
Even as cancer endures as a long-standing issue, researchers continue to investigate new ways to improve patient treatment. A recent research initiative has secured a significant grant of $3.2 million to explore the potential of cannabis-derived compounds, including those in a edibles, for enhancing immunotherapy treatments.
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Key Takeaways:
- Most studies focus on the impact of edibles on chemotherapy, with little research on its effects on immunotherapy.
- Initial findings indicate that edibles can alleviate side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and appetite loss.
- edibles can provide quick and consistent dosages to manage chemotherapy’s 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 into the effects of edibles on patients receiving immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. This complex defense mechanism acts as the body’s key protector against infections and illnesses.
Numerous reports highlight the potential benefits of edibles, including pain relief and mood enhancement. Dr. Ashare is careful to acknowledge the established indicators that suggest possible adverse interactions between edibles and immunotherapy.
Approximately 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment have turned to edibles to relieve symptoms during and after their medical procedures. With limited studies examining this impact, Dr. Ashare aims to investigate the benefits for patients.
Her team will explore the intricate dynamics between edibles and immunotherapy in patients. Their primary goal is to determine if edibles may influence the treatment’s effectiveness, either positively or negatively.
How Will the Study Work?
Thomas Jefferson University and Oregon Health and Science University are collaborating with UB in a 12-month observational study. This study aims to further comprehend the long-term benefits and potential risks linked to edibles use among cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The recruitment at each site will seek 450 participants currently undergoing immunotherapy. To gain a comprehensive view, half will be edibles users, while the other half will abstain from using edibles.
Unlike traditional randomized studies, participants will retain the freedom to choose their preferred edibles, whether they prefer using vape pens or edibles.
The secondary aim of the grant is to examine how neighborhood disadvantages affect outcomes related to edibles 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 may influence cancer symptom management.
Is Using edibles Effective in Managing Cancer Symptoms?
While Dr. Ashare and her team are embarking on a new study regarding edibles and immunotherapy, additional research is also focused on the effects of edibles on cancer.
Vomiting and Nausea
Researchers have conducted trials to assess the efficacy of various cannabinoids in reducing vomiting, particularly THC. This compound and other synthetic cannabinoids have shown some effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Clinical studies suggest that using edibles is effective in alleviating chemotherapy-induced emesis.
Loss of Appetite
A study published in the Oxford University Press indicated that a significant percentage of patients treated with THC (64%) experienced an increase in appetite. A small number of THC-treated patients reported no change (27%), with incomplete data for one patient. Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, potentially leading to weight loss and malnutrition, but THC may help improve food intake.
Pain
Pain is a frequent symptom for individuals battling cancer. It may arise from the cancer itself, various treatments, or other contributing factors.
A comprehensive review in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Journal demonstrates the effectiveness of edibles in aiding pain management for patients. The research reveals a consistent decrease in overall medication intake during quarterly check-ups. Additionally, opioid usage showed a decline during the first three check-up sessions.
Why Use a edibles for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms?
A edibles is a compact and efficient battery-operated device designed for vaporizing edibles oil or concentrates popular in the edibles market today. Comprising a battery, a precise heating element, and a designated cartridge or chamber for the edibles concentrates, edibles offers versatility in consumption. Users can opt for disposable options or fill their own cartridges with preferred edibles oil.
Note: There are also CBD vape pens available if you prefer not to experience the effects of THC.
Reduces Carcinogens
Vaping edibles may reduce health risks associated with carcinogen exposure, as indicated by a 2007 study comparing smokers and vapers. The study found a significant decrease in blood carbon monoxide levels among those who vaped.
More Effective
A study by MAPS and California NORML revealed a remarkable 46% conversion of THC to vapor with the use of a edibles, outperforming the mere 25% achieved by a standard edibles joint.
Manage Intake
Estimating the amount of each inhale can be challenging with joints, bongs, or bowls. For those inexperienced with smoking, excessive intake can be overwhelming. A modern edibles, with adjustable settings, allows users to precisely control the amount inhaled.
Weed Vapes for Managing Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Pink KushTHC: 93-95%510 Thread: Fits any vape batteryEffect: Soothing, Calming, Relaxing
Sol – THC Distillate Vape Cartridge
Amount: 1 mLStrain: Sour DieselTHC: 93-95%510 Thread: Fits any vape batteryEffect: Cerebral, Fast-acting, Stress relief, Mental clarity
OneStop – THC Distillate Disposable edibles
Amount: 3 mLStrain: Ghost Train HazeTHC: 93-95%RechargeableEffect: Euphoric, Energetic, Heightens creativity
Conclusion
Grants aimed at studying the effects of edibles pave the way for hope among cancer patients undergoing various treatments. They provide patients with a cost-effective option for relief while alleviating the adverse effects linked to opioids or other medications.
As studies continue to explore the impact of cannabis on immunotherapy, early findings are already revealing promising results for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are edibless similar to dab pens?
A dab pen, or wax pen, is a compact electronic device designed for ease of use. It allows users to load their favorite concentrates.
edibles comes preloaded in convenient pods and cartridges. When people mention dab pens, they refer to vaporizers that can handle various consistencies of edibles extract. In contrast, edibles specifically refers to devices designed for vaporizing liquid extracts.
Are strain-specific THC vapes derived from specific edibles strains?
Yes. Vape cartridges contain edibles distillate, a concentrated form of edibles oil. Through the distillation process, manufacturers extract plant terpenes, resulting in a dense and nearly flavorless liquid. Terpenes are reintroduced before filling cartridges to improve 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 learned about how specific cannabinoids and terpenes influence individual responses.
How many mg of THC is in a vape pen?
Definitive answers on THC amounts in edibles are difficult to provide. Different manufacturers use varying amounts of THC in their products. For instance, a vape pen with 0.5g of THC oil at 80% concentration yields approximately 400mg of THC, with each puff delivering around 4mg of THC.
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.
- An LED light will indicate operational status; press the button each time you draw from the mouthpiece.
- Remove the mouthpiece to access the chamber, placing a small portion of concentrate onto the coils.
- Reattach the mouthpiece and activate the battery with five consecutive button presses.
- Hold the button while inhaling, releasing it midway for an optimal experience.
