Medical Marijuana and Your Immune System: What Are The Benefits?

By Bluntness Editorial | Jul 18, 2020, 8:30 AM EDT

There was a time when marijuana was considered to be only a recreational, gateway drug - vilified in movies, an excuse for racial disparities in law enforcement. Thankfully, this perception has faded as more and more scientific research proves that medical marijuana can naturally enhance quality of life, both physically and psychologically. For example, a recent University of Colorado study concluded that medicinal cannabis is a helpful and motivating tool in creating an active lifestyle among people over the age 50.

As cannabis legalization expands throughout the United States and physicians search for new patient care options, scientists have delved deeper into the plant's benefits for the human body. Here, The Bluntness takes a brief look at how cannabis affects the human immune system and its potential benefits.*

How Does Medical Marijuana Interact With The Immune System?

Our immune system is highly complex. The system that maintains homeostasis or balance in the body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which was first discovered in the late 1980's. Largely comprised of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, the ECS is believed to help regulate a variety of human functions including stress, mood, memory, metabolism, digestion, pain sensation and more. The ECS is not isolated like other biological systems, as it can be found throughout the human body and in some animals.

Even today, research continues on the ECS, how it functions and how it can be used to fight disease and viruses.

The ECS is made of lipid-based neurotransmitters, which are basically a type of chemical messenger. These neurotransmitters travel across chemical synapses or "specialized roadways" of the nervous system and regulate cellular activity. In other words, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining a well-balanced and strong immune system.

The three key pieces of the human ECS are:

1. Endocannabinoids: Small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors

2. Cannabinoid Receptors: Found on the surface of cells, they help regulate the immune system

3. Metabolic Enzymes: Responsible for breaking down Endocannabinoids after they are used.

Cannabis molecules interact with the ECS. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) , marijuana's most famous and intoxicating cannabinoid, and CBD (cannabidiol), the non-psychoactive component of marijuana with numerous, proven health benefits , both act as immunosuppressants when the immune system works perfectly. Immunosuppressants are a class of drugs that suppress or reduce the strength of the body's immune system.

However, when the immune system is affected by another agent, like infection or physical damage, then THC and CBD can act as immunomodulators - or a drug that helps regulate or normalize the immune system. The most prevalent Health and Wellness studies of THC and CBD on the immune system are in the areas of inflammation and pain management.

But remember, before undertaking any treatment involving medical marijuana, please discuss the risks and benefits with your physician and ensure all medications are obtained legally from a reputable outlet.

The Role Of Medical Marijuana In Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response when there’s an activity that harms the organism. When the white blood cells, as the first line of defense, discover a threat, most often in the form of bacteria or viruses, they transfer the information. The body reacts by increasing its temperature creating what is commonly known as inflammation.

Sometimes the body reacts to inflammation when there is no infection or trauma. In short, the body attacks its own immune system, causing pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and fibromyalgia fall into this category.

CBD and THC bind with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, effectively acting as another weapon in the fight against inflammation. These receptors are also found in the digestive tract, which explains why medical marijuana has been an effective and recommended therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

In addition, medical marijuana inhibits the production of cytokines, molecules that stimulate immune system cells to rush to the area that has been injured or infected. By reducing cytokines in the body, medical marijuana effectively lessens inflammation.

The Role Of Medical Marijuana In Managing Pain

Sufferers of rheumatism, arthritis, neuropathy (nerve pain) and other chronic illnesses frequently experience unbearable muscle, bone, and joint pain. Traditional treatment usually involves a regimen of pharmaceutical painkillers such as opioids which, while highly effective, oftentimes lead to an even more serious problem with addiction.

Many studies have looked at the effects of marijuana for chronic pain. A 2015 research review on the use of marijuana for various chronic pain conditions reported positive results suggesting that THC and/or CBD are as effective as opioids in treating some types of chronic pain. A 2016 research paper found that, for some cancer patients, medical marijuana use led to a 64% reduction in opioid use, improved quality of life, and caused fewer medication side effects. It also led to participants using fewer medications.

Just like medical marijuana helps with reducing inflammation, it does the same with the pain. CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid receptors attached to the cells. The receptors transfer the information to the brain, thereby easing the pain sensation via a natural pain reliever.

*DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not exploit or provide medical advice of any kind. Therefore, any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Please check with your medical provider before starting or changing to a medical marijuana treatment regimen. 

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