Does CBD Have an Effect on Your Immune System?

The term “immune health” is incredibly broad in the medical world, and it can invoke several different clinical interpretations. Several scientific publications have described the “immunomodulating” properties of active cannabinoids (like CBD) – but what does this mean, exactly?

We know that patients who suffer from autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, frequently use cannabis as adjuvant therapy. But is it useful for healthy individuals? Could it potentially prevent diseases and boost overall immune health?

This article explores some of the most relevant research publications on CBD’s far-reaching influence on the immune system. A greater clinical foundation is necessary to come to any definitive conclusions regarding its specific physiological effects. However, it’s clear that the endocannabinoid system and the immune system are very interrelated.

CBD and the Immune System: Bridged by the Endocannabinoid System

To even scratch the surface in describing CBD’s potential effects on the body’s immune system, we need a basic understanding of how the endocannabinoid system works.

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a network of cannabinoids and receptors that regulate most functions in the human body. As researchers have described it, one of these functions is its role as an “immuno-cannabinoid” modulator.

This means that “communicative” molecules in the ECS can work as a signaling mechanism. They provide instructions for the functional machinery involved in the immune response.

Among other things, these “instructions” provide information for the body’s immune system that tells it when to engage its line of defense, where, and how strongly to engage it.

Does CBD Benefit the Immune System?

Additionally, some researchers have even speculated that the ECS may work to “notify” the body of an “incorrect” autoimmune response, wherein the defense cells attack otherwise healthy organs and tissues. This may be why cannabinoids seem to function so well in treating autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Bear in mind, however, that as of right now, all of this research is still speculative. We require far more in-depth studies to have a more thorough understanding of the exact molecular pathways at work.

However, we know that cannabinoids such as CBD can reduce painful, inflammatory responses in humans when taken at certain levels. This is particularly true among those who suffer from some of the aforementioned autoimmune conditions.

Moreover, we know that compounds that stimulate the endocannabinoid system can promote new nerve cell generation (neurogenesis). They could also reduce nerve cell degeneration (this last part was already seen in animals).

Compounds that stimulate the ECS could reduce nerve cell degeneration.

So, what does this mean? When an individual suffers a serious traumatic event (i.e., has a severe head injury, stroke, etc.), the lack of oxygen and excess inflammation severely damages the nerve cells.

Experts believe that CBD could protect nerve cells because of its efficacy as an antioxidant. Few people know that the U.S. government holds a patent on cannabinoids for this exact purpose.

CBD and the Immune System: Have We Even Scratched the Surface?

Let’s make one thing very clear: there is much about the functioning of the immune system and the body’s immune response that is unknown. Even less is known about the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Not even the world’s leading medical cannabis experts can outwardly claim that CBD has a “such-and-such” effect on the immune system. It’s clear (according to several studies) that cannabinoids have some influence on the overall immune response. However, it’s unclear how we might manipulate it or administer treatments to achieve the most beneficial results possible.

While cannabinoids impact the immune response, experts are not yet sure how to use them effectively.

One thing worth researching more, however, is CBD’s potential ability to “balance” the two major arms of the immune system.

Generally speaking, there are two different ways in which the body’s adaptive immune cells can seek out and “eliminate” dangerous pathogens (foreign agents that can result in disease, infection, etc.):

1. Cell-mediated immunity: This involves using T-cells that seek out and destroy foreign antigens on their own by inducing apoptosis, or “programmed cell suicide,” in the foreign antigen.
2. Humoral immunity: This occurs when the body’s B-cells produce specific antibodies to seek out and destroy the dangerous pathogens.

In autoimmune diseases, one of these types of immunity becomes overactive and begins to attack and destroy healthy cells and tissues.

Final Thoughts on CBD and the Immune System

Are you considering taking CBD for immune system health or an autoimmune condition that you already have? If so, please note that there are dozens of high-quality CBD oils and tinctures available for sale online. Most companies can ship to all 50 U.S. states due to their manufacturing guidelines under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Whenever possible, however, try to speak with a physician or other clinical professional regarding the use of CBD oil for immune health. We have recently published an article relating to specific CBD dosing guidelines. However, we must reiterate the fact that we are not health professionals. Therefore, none of the information on this site should be interpreted as clinical advice.

Also, the FDA does not yet recognize CBD as a medicine. This means CBD sellers are legally obliged to market their CBD tinctures as “nutritional supplements” rather than actual medicinal drugs.

And finally, make sure you perform thorough research on your own and use CBD under your judgment. We make no outward claims or guarantees that it will be effective or therapeutic for you and your condition, regardless of data that’s available in scientific studies.

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