The immune system is a complex organ that protects your body from disease-causing organisms. It works to keep you healthy and help your body fight off infection, inflammation and pain.
However, if you smoke cannabis regularly (one joint per day), it may weaken your immune system. This can result in a higher risk of pulmonary infections and cancer.
1. It boosts the immune system
The immune system is responsible for fighting and protecting the body against infections and disease. Cannabis is known to boost the immune system by acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors on cells. This has been shown to suppress inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
However, the effects of cannabis on the immune system have been a subject of controversy. While some studies have found that cannabis may inhibit the immune system in healthy individuals, others have shown that it can promote immune competence.
In healthy individuals, the effect of cannabis on immune endpoints has been assessed by measuring cytokines concentrations, principally inflammatory cytokines. While these results provide a basic assessment of the immune response, it is not clear whether they predict increased or decreased susceptibility to infectious agents or cancer progression.
Similarly, cannabis use can have an impact on the immune system in people with HIV or other diseases. A recent study found that cannabis could potentially reduce inflammation and autoimmune disease in patients with chronic HIV infection.
There is some evidence that cannabis may also increase the risk of developing aspergillosis, a fungal infection that causes lung damage and can lead to cancer. This is especially true in immunocompromised individuals who have been exposed to D9-THC, a chemical found in the plant that can suppress cell-mediated immunity and increase the risk of invasive pulmonary infection.
Although there are no good-quality systematic reviews on the effects of cannabis on the immune system to date, a small number of case-control and cohort studies have reported that cannabis use is associated with a reduction in peripheral immune cells, including nonclassical monocytes and tumor necrosis factor-a-producing antigen-presenting cells, in HIV-infected, antiretroviral-treated subjects. Despite these findings, it is important to note that the study design was not sufficiently robust and that further research is needed to confirm or refute this association.
Additionally, cannabis has been shown to promote the production of a large number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer patients. These cells can hinder cancer therapy and promote cancer growth. This is because they can inhibit the production of a specific molecule called IL-23.
2. It reduces inflammation
If you’re looking for a drug that can strengthen your immune system, look no further than cannabis. In fact, a growing number of scientists are exploring the effects of cannabinoids on the immune system, and how to harness their powers for good.
The immune system is a complex network of cells that fight infection and disease. It includes white blood cells, which attack viruses and bacteria; natural killer (NK) cells, which kill cancerous or microbial cells that can cause infection; and T-cells, which help fight viral infections.
Inflammation is one of the key symptoms of many health problems, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is also a common symptom of autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers are currently investigating how cannabinoids, especially CBD, interact with the immune system. They have found that CBD can reduce inflammation by interacting with a receptor on the surface of immune cells called endocannabinoids.
These endocannabinoids can bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body. They have a range of effects on the immune system, from reducing the activity of the T-cells to suppressing the production of inflammatory enzymes that can cause pain.
Another way that cannabinoids reduce inflammation is by inhibiting the production of TNF-alpha, a chemical that plays a role in chronic inflammation. It can also reduce the release of other inflammatory chemicals, like IL-6 and IL-8.
The exact mechanism that cannabis uses to reduce inflammation is still unknown, but some experts believe that it is due to its interaction with the endocannabinoids. This may explain how CBD helps to fight autoimmune disorders and reduces the pain associated with them.
Moreover, the same cannabinoids that reduce inflammation may also improve the function of T-cells and natural killer cells. This could be particularly helpful for people with autoimmune disorders, as the immune system is often impaired in these conditions.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of cannabis on the immune system vary from person to person and are influenced by many factors. For example, the type of cannabis a person consumes, the dosage, how long they’ve been using and whether they have underlying medical issues will all affect their experience.
3. It reduces pain
The two main cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have a variety of effects on the body. For example, THC stimulates the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, which reduces pain and anxiety. It also inhibits inflammation.
Moreover, both THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, a chemical system in the body that regulates many processes. It’s been shown that activating these receptors can decrease the strength of pain signals in the spinal cord and brain. It also reduces inflammation and relieves nerve pain.
However, there are differences between the way THC and CBD interact with these receptors. For example, THC binds to CB1 receptors, which are found throughout the central nervous system and are responsible for a sense of “high” that is often associated with cannabis use. This means it can trigger a feeling of increased motivation and happiness.
On the other hand, CBD binds to several different receptors and doesn’t produce a high. This allows it to act as a pain reliever without producing any psychoactive effects, which makes it more effective for some people.
In addition, some studies have shown that combining cannabinoids with opioid painkillers may help to improve the effectiveness of both drugs. However, it’s important to remember that a combination of cannabinoids and opioids can also cause side effects. Therefore, it’s essential to use them with care and under the supervision of a doctor.
For example, if you have epilepsy and are using an opioid to treat it, it’s not recommended to combine the medication with cannabis. This can increase the risk of addiction and other serious health problems.
While there is some evidence that cannabinoids can improve the effectiveness of prescription pain medicines, they can also cause negative side effects if used in high doses. To reduce these risks, it’s best to use cannabis products that are low in THC and high in CBD.
For people who have chronic pain and are looking for a new option, cannabis could be the answer. There are plenty of different products available, including vaporizers, oils, topicals, and capsules. You can even try a product that only contains CBD to avoid the THC effects.
4. It reduces anxiety
As we’ve already discussed, the immune system regulates a variety of bodily functions, including our anxiety levels. It helps keep us at a healthy state of balance so that we can thrive and be at our best.
In fact, researchers have recently discovered that cannabis can boost the immune system by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of chemicals that helps regulate our bodies’ internal functions.
The two main compounds found in cannabis are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both THC and CBD attach to receptors in the brain.
It’s the THC that makes you feel euphoric and relaxed, while CBD can ease stress and anxiety without inducing a high. Both can be found in medical cannabis and have varying effects on the immune system.
Research suggests that higher doses of THC can cause or worsen anxiety, so it’s best to start with a low dose and then increase slowly until you reach your desired level of relaxation. You can also try CBD-only products or those with a higher ratio of THC to CBD.
For example, a study published in the journal Science found that THC increased anxiety levels in test mice when they walked into a room. However, frequent users showed smaller increases in anxiety than controls.
Another study found that CBD can reduce social anxiety. It decreased the frequency of socio-positive behaviours, such as eye contact and laughing, in mice. In addition, it lowered the duration of the behaviours.
In short, a growing body of research suggests that CBD can help relieve anxiety and stress.
To do this, CBD targets specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors act as the gateways to the endocannabinoid signaling pathway.
This pathway is the “universal regulator” of the immune system, ensuring that everything within our body stays in balance and in homeostasis. It’s responsible for regulating our body’s internal functions, such as mood and pain levels.
In the case of anxiety, both THC and CBD have been found to affect the immune system by interacting with the ECS. The two compounds have different effects on the immune system, which can explain why they help reduce anxiety in different ways.
