The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CBD & THC
Updated April 2023
What is Inflammation and What Causes it?
Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection. It involves the activation of immune cells, such as leukocytes and macrophages, which release cytokines and other inflammatory mediators to eliminate the offending agent and repair the damaged tissue. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development of various diseases, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Currently, there is growing interest in the potential of cannabinoids, specifically CBD and THC, to modulate the immune response and alleviate inflammation. In this article, we will examine the current state of research regarding the effects of CBD and THC on inflammation.
Cannabis and Inflammation
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and its anti-inflammatory properties have been recognized for a long time. However, it was only in the 1990s that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered, which shed light on the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. The ECS is a complex system of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that regulates various physiological processes, including pain, mood, and inflammation. The two main receptors of the ECS are CB1 and CB2, which are distributed throughout the body, including the immune system.
CBD and Inflammation
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic effects. Several studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can modulate the immune response in various ways. For example, CBD can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10. CBD can also reduce the activation of immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells, and inhibit the migration of leukocytes to the site of inflammation.
One of the most promising areas of research regarding CBD and inflammation is its potential to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In a 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers found that CBD reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in a mouse model of RA. The researchers also found that CBD reduced the severity of arthritis and improved the clinical outcomes of the mice. Similarly, a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that CBD reduced the severity of MS-like symptoms in a mouse model of MS by suppressing the activation of immune cells and reducing inflammation in the spinal cord.
Another area of research regarding CBD and inflammation is its potential to treat IBD. In a 2011 study published in the journal Gastroenterology, researchers found that CBD reduced inflammation and damage in a mouse model of colitis by inhibiting the migration of leukocytes to the colon and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In a 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, researchers found that CBD improved the clinical outcomes of patients with Crohn’s disease, a type of IBD, by reducing inflammation and improving quality of life.
THC and Inflammation
THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. However, unlike CBD, THC can also have pro-inflammatory effects in certain circumstances. For example, THC can increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-8, in immune cells. It can also activate the CB1 receptor, which can contribute to the pro-inflammatory effects of THC.
Despite these pro-inflammatory effects, several studies have shown that THC
can also have anti-inflammatory effects under certain conditions. For example, a 2009 study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that THC reduced inflammation and damage in a mouse model of colitis by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, researchers found that THC reduced inflammation in a mouse model of MS by suppressing the activation of immune cells and reducing the infiltration of leukocytes into the spinal cord.
One of the most promising areas of research regarding THC and inflammation is its potential to treat neuropathic pain, which is a type of chronic pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. Several studies have shown that THC can reduce neuropathic pain by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation. For example, a 2007 study published in the Journal of Pain found that THC reduced neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Another area of research regarding THC and inflammation is its potential to treat autoimmune diseases. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers found that THC reduced the severity of autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model of MS, by reducing the activation of immune cells and inhibiting the migration of leukocytes to the central nervous system. In a 2020 study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, researchers found that THC reduced the severity of RA in a mouse model by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
What CBD or THC Products are Best for Inflammation?
You have more than a few options of different products to choose from when looking for some anti-inflammation. Topicals are popular because they are applied directly where the inflammation is centralized. Topicals provide a very concentrated dose only where you most need it. The issue with topicals is that most do not allow the CBD or THC to enter the bloodstream because it cannot get through the skin. Once in the bloodstream, CBD and THC can act on more than just surface level inflammation. Products like edible gummies, smokable flower or vapes, or oil tinctures are all great options for anti-inflammatory benefits. A combination of a topical along with either an edible or a smokeable is the most well-rounded plan of attack.
Conclusion
CBD and THC have both been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and they can modulate the immune response in various ways. CBD has been shown to be particularly effective in treating autoimmune diseases and IBD, while THC has been shown to be particularly effective in treating neuropathic pain and autoimmune diseases. However, it is important to note that the effects of CBD and THC on inflammation can vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors, such as genetics and tolerance. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and THC and to determine their optimal therapeutic use for various inflammatory conditions.
