Can CBD Boost Your Immune System?
Cannabis is purported to offer a vast range of health benefits, but one area where there is still a little confusion is the effects of cannabis on the immune system. Research teams are studying the effects of CBD and the immune systems, but there have been some contradictory and spotty findings.
The Research
According to University of Colorado clinical pharmacology and family medicine professor, Laura Borgelt, it is not likely that cannabis or CBD can cure the common cold. Unfortunately, the official Schedule 1 classification has made research difficult. Research teams have found it difficult to conduct some real research on the immune system effects of cannabis. There have been thousands of independent, small studies, and the general trends suggest that CBD may enhance our immune system function.
What We Know to Date
In simple terms, among the various cannabis active compounds, CBD and THC are the most notable. There is evidence that these compounds may suppress the immune system. This could be beneficial for sufferers of certain medical conditions. For example, a growing body of research supports using THC for autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. Medical experts believe that these disorders and many others are caused by overactive immune systems. So, “improving” the immune system will mean making it less sensitive to prevent it from attacking the body’s tissues.
Reducing Inflammation
So, if CBD suppresses your immune system, will it make you more susceptible to the common cold or flu? This may sound logical, but it is actually more complicated. Research has been conducted on the effects of CBD on patients who have a severely compromised immune system, such as hepatitis B or HIV. Researchers found that treatment using medical cannabis or synthetic cannabis compounds did not increase the numbers of virus cells or the infections contracted. In fact, the anti inflammatory effects may reduce the damaged caused to the body.
CBD and Cancer
One of the most well known uses for medical cannabis is to help cancer patients in dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy. However, it could offer much more. In a review published in the July 2018 British Journal of Pharmacology, researchers concluded that cannabinoids may actually have cancer fighting properties. The team discovered evidence that cannabis may stop the division of cancer cells to keep them from metastasizing and may even block the blood supply to tumors. Additionally, cannabis may stimulate the immune system, hormone system, and brain to more effectively fight the cancer.
So, while CBD may not help you to avoid the common cold that is making its way around your office, it could reduce stress and improve your mood. These are two factors with a proven connection to the function of the immune system, so boosting them could help you to enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing.
CBD oil is just one of the ways to access the active compounds of cannabis, but it is crucial to choose a good quality oil for maximum health benefits.