CBD and the Immune System. Is it Beneficial?

The cannabis plant has a long history of medical use and its mainstream acceptance is at an all time high (pun intended). The current Covid 19 pandemic has medical professionals looking at all possibilities as they research ways to control the spread of the virus. And with the general public’s desperation to remain healthy and avoid the virus many have come to the “rescue” with exciting products, offers, and claims that they have the remedy. Such is the case with many retailers of CBD products and solutions. Is there any truth to these claims? Let’s take a deeper look and see what we can make of these claims during these uncertain times.
The Immune System: A Review
The Endocannabinoid System and Immune Response
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered as recent as the 1990’s by cannabis researchers. And while experts are still trying to figure out exactly how it works we do know that it plays a role in regulating a wide variety of physiological functions.
This system is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Let’s explore each.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoid Receptors
- CB1 receptors – mostly found in the central nervous system (CNS)
- CB2 receptors – found in peripheral nervous system and immune cells
Enzymes
- Amide hydrolase – breaks down AEA
- Monoacylglycerol acid lipase – breaks down 2-AG
What are the ECS Functions?
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation and Immune Response
- Mood
- Memory
- Stress
- Appetite and Digestion
CBD and the Immune System
CBD and Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system confuses healthy cells and tissue for foreign invaders. Your immune systems actually ends up attacking parts of your body like organs, skin or joints. Some common autoimmune diseases:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Lupus
- HIV AIDS
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriasis
- Celiac
- Crohn’s Disease
By regulating inflammatory response products like CBD oil can lower the inflammation that contributes to or causes these disorders. While those with already hyperactive immune systems can greatly benefit from CBD and its ability to suppress the immune response.
Closing Thoughts
So studies seem promising and show some potential for CBD to help regulate the immune system through the ECS. But whether you are looking to limit inflammation or need help suppressing the immune system, how should you incorporate into your life? Well there are a wide variety of cannabis extract option on the market today. From tinctures and gummies to topical ointments and lotions there should be a method available for you to start with. We recommend seeking after companies that are upfront about manufacturing and open about third party lab results.
We also recommend CBD products as a supplement to other healthy practices. Incorporating practices such as exercise and meditation along with your CBD treatment can lead to well rounded physical and mental health and have a positive affect on your immune system. As the recent pandemic has shown, we cannot control everything that happens to us. But with exercise, limiting stress and proper supplementation we may be closer to ensuring our bodies have the ability to ward off invaders and keep us safe.