Can Cannabis Aid Your Immune System?
Cannabis has been a subject of discussion in the medical industry for its therapeutic properties. The plant contains various compounds that can be beneficial for many medical conditions. One of the benefits that are gaining popularity is the effect of cannabis on the immune system. The immune system is responsible for keeping the body healthy and protected from various diseases.
The question is, is it good that cannabis sometimes suppresses our immune systems?
In short, yes! If you are suffering from autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis, or type 1 diabetes, then suppression of your immune system from cannabis consumption may be great news for you. On the other hand, cannabis may not be as beneficial for people who have a properly working immune system.
This article aims to explore the relationship between cannabis and the immune system.
Your Immune System:
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. The immune system is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing infections and illnesses.
The immune system is composed of two main types of cells: white blood cells and lymphocytes. White blood cells include neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are further divided into T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells.
When the body encounters a foreign invader, the immune system activates a response to eliminate the threat. This response involves a series of steps that work together to identify, target, and destroy the pathogen. The first step is the recognition of the pathogen by white blood cells, which then activate other immune cells to mount a response.
The immune system has a memory function that allows it to remember and recognize specific pathogens it has encountered before. This memory function helps the immune system respond more quickly and effectively to future infections or illnesses caused by the same pathogen.
Overall, the immune system is a complex and intricate system that plays a critical role in maintaining health and fighting off infections and diseases.
Cannabis Affects Your Immune System
There are two ways in particular in which cannabis plays a role in your body.
Immunomodulation: When the consumption of cannabis goes on to affect the entire immune system as a whole, the process is referred to as Immunomodulation. For example, both THC and CBD enable a user to experience Immunomodulation.
Immunosuppression: If cannabis goes on to impact different parts of your immune system, the process is referred to as Immunosuppression.
The way you consume cannabis also determines how your immune system will get affected. For instance, research suggests that consuming CBD orally through a pre-roll, vapes, or edibles will increase the concentration of cannabinoids in your lymphatic system by as much as 250 times.
This increase in the number of cannabinoids is good news for people whose immune systems aren’t working properly because the cannabinoids will suppress the inflammatory immune system response much more effectively.
Cannabis as an Immunity Booster:
Some studies have shown that cannabis can boost the immune system. For example, a study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology found that cannabis can enhance the immune response in HIV patients. The study suggests that cannabis can increase the number of white blood cells in the body, which play a crucial role in fighting off infection.
Another study published in the European Journal of Immunology found that cannabis can enhance the body’s immune response to certain types of cancer. The study suggests that cannabis can activate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.
Cannabis as an Immunity Suppressant:
On the other hand, some studies suggest that cannabis can suppress the immune system. For example, a study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that THC can suppress the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. The study suggests that THC can inhibit the production of cytokines, which are essential for the immune system’s response to infection.
Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that high doses of THC can suppress the immune system’s response to bacterial infections. The study suggests that high doses of THC can impair the body’s ability to fight off bacterial infections.
What’s the Verdict?
To put it in a nutshell, consuming high amounts of cannabis does suppress immune system function. Now, this may be beneficial for a person who is already suffering from a disrupted defense system. However, experts recommend that people with a healthy immune system don’t have the liberty to inject a large number of cannabinoids into their bodies.
Where Do I Find Medical Marijuanas Doctors Near Me?
Looking for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida? Head over to MMJ Health today and see if you qualify. Our expert Florida medical marijuanas doctors will help you acquire your Florida medical marijuana card without hassle!
