Cannabis is a naturally found green plant that is proven to be potent for a number of benefits- including physical and mind related health issues. For centuries, people have used cannabis as a form of treatment. However, it was only until now when the true potential of cannabis herb came to light, proven right, and used widely. It is also known as an effective treatment for ADHD in children.
Different strains of cannabis have different effects on consumers. Cannabis manages and treats auto-immune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammation. It is common for cannabis users to wonder and ponder upon the thoughts of whether or not cannabis helps the immune system. Does the immune system weaken over time? Do consumers get weaker and make themselves susceptible to different infections or diseases?
Immune System is a collection of many tasks taking place in the body simultaneously. It is one of the most sophisticated systems in our body networking different cells, chemicals, and organs to cooperate and function together well. All these in the effort to fight off the infections caused due to pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This further helps in promoting better health as well as homeostasis of the body.
It includes fighting the infections by including white blood cells, antibodies, complement system, lymphatic system, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. All of them combined fight together to strengthen your immune system and fight off the pathogens.
However, there is limited research on the immune system and cannabis. But, the anecdotal evidence and a few studies on cannabis show effects on the immune system of consumers.
Cannabinoids show effects in the consumer’s body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is found abundantly in the immune system- being one of the gate-keepers that prevent the body to show an inflammatory response. CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS system interact with different cannabinoids of cannabinoids- THC and CBD. They have different effects on the immune system because of their difference in the nature of interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
CBD, cannabidiol, one of the two cannabinoids found in cannabis is well known to suppress inflammatory responses.
While discussing the immune system and effects of cannabis on it, the scientists also discuss immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive. Immunomodulation is a therapy that aims to modify how the immune system responds.
The noteworthy point of cannabis and the immune system is that medical marijuana is potent to suppress the immune system that helps if it is dysregulated or needs suppression. Both CBD and THC have a good effect on the human immune system. They act on the lymphatic system- the major host of immune system cells.
The nerve-wracking pandemic- COVID-19 requires people to be at their best immune health. Thus, this is where cannabis can help in boosting the immune system. However, more profound and detailed research is necessary to fully understand the effects of cannabis on the immune system of a consumer.