Cannabis and CBD in Autoimmune Diseases

Cannabis, one of the oldest plants used to alleviate various ailments, has now found a new therapeutic approach: the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

On the occasion of the World Day of autoimmune diseases, today March 18 on the Cannactiva blog we explain what is currently known about the relationship between autoimmune diseases, the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic potential of cannabis to treat these diseases.

Note: This is an informative article with no prescriptive character, it is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content can complement, but should never replace, the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. There may be new relevant scientific evidence since the date of publication. Consult with your physician before using CBD. The therapeutic approach must always be personalized and depends on the professional assessment.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are a group of conditions of as yet unknown origin, which occur when the body’s natural defenses are activated against its own tissues, “mistakenly attacking the body itself” (1). They fall into two categories: localized and systemic. Localized autoimmune diseases affect only a specific organ or tissue, while systemic autoimmune diseases can affect multiple organs and body systems.

Among the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. People suffering from these diseases often experience weight loss, constant fatigue, inflammation and chronic pain, which significantly affect their quality of life and overall well-being.

Cannabis and the Immune Response

The cannabis plant contains a large number of compounds that can act individually or together, in synergy, to exert effects on the body and modify the body’s immune response (2-4).

Terpenes, compounds present in cannabis and hemp, have various effects that may help regulate or modulate the immune response. Some terpenes possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress in the body (5, 6).

THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana, can interact with endocannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, located in different organs and systems of the body. THC’s affinity for CB1 receptors in the central nervous system is responsible for its psychoactive effects. However, CB2 receptors, which are mainly located in the immune system, make THC an interesting compound for the treatment of autoimmune diseases (7), as it could modify the immune response by reducing the excessive activity of the immune system that characterizes these diseases (8).

On the other hand, although cannabidiol (CBD) does not have a direct affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, it has been suggested that it can activate them indirectly (9). In addition, CBD has other targets of action involved in autoimmune diseases, making it a compound with multiple potential benefits for these conditions.

Mechanisms of Action of CBD to Help Autoimmune Diseases

The main pathways through which CBD could exert its therapeutic effects in these conditions are detailed below:

Immunomodulatory Effects

CBD has been shown to induce cell death (apoptosis) of activated immune cells, thereby reducing their number and reducing the overall immune response (9, 10). This is particularly relevant in autoimmune diseases, where excessive activation of the immune system can cause damage to the body’s own tissues.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

CBD decreases the production of substances that cause inflammation and increases those that reduce it. It inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, while enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 (10-12). Reducing inflammation is crucial in the management of autoimmune diseases, as chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and exacerbate the symptoms of these diseases.

Neuroprotective Effects

In autoimmune diseases involving inflammation such as multiple sclerosis, where neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration play an important role, CBD could protect neurons from oxidative damage. Neuroprotection is vital to prevent disease progression and maintain neurological function in affected patients.

Relaxing Effects

Stress is an important factor in autoimmune diseases (13). It has been observed that chronic exposure to stressful events can have immunosuppressive effects and increase the risk of developing autoimmune disease (14, 15). CBD can help mitigate stress and anxiety, which in turn can have a positive effect on the management of these diseases.

Clinical Evidence for Cannabis in Autoimmune Diseases

Current research on cannabis and CBD in autoimmune diseases suggests that the use of CBD-rich products may help improve the quality of life of people with these diseases. However, significant effects have been found in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatoid arthritis in studies that have used combinations of THC with CBD (8).

In multiple sclerosis, for example, the use of THC and CBD has been shown to reduce muscle spasticity, neuropathic pain and improve mobility. In inflammatory bowel disease, these cannabinoids have helped reduce intestinal inflammation and improve digestive symptoms. In rheumatoid arthritis, a decrease in joint pain and inflammation has been observed, improving patients’ physical function and quality of life (8).

Use of CBD for Autoimmune Diseases

Although CBD’s effectiveness in immune disorders has been demonstrated through its molecular mechanisms, its effects in clinical studies have been modest. CBD may help to cope with some of the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, although no specific dosage has been suggested for its treatment. It is important to note that the response to CBD can vary significantly among individuals, so dosing and monitoring should be individualized.

Although THC may have beneficial effects in patients with immune disorders, its psychoactive effects reduce its choice as an adjunctive treatment. In addition, CBD’s safety profile, which includes a lower incidence of side effects and an absence of psychoactive effects, makes it a better choice for those seeking alternatives to treat autoimmune diseases.

It is recommended that the use of therapies such as medical cannabis or CBD be under strict medical supervision due to the high variability in individual response to cannabinoids.

Conclusion

The endocannabinoid system is intimately related to the immune system, so cannabinoids have been postulated as an excellent option for treating autoimmune diseases. Studies that have explored the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids have provided insights into their therapeutic potential, but more in-depth and detailed research into their uses in clinical studies is still needed.

The hope is that in the next few years we will have definitive information on cannabinoid treatment for autoimmune diseases, which could revolutionize the management and treatment of these conditions.

Note: This is an informative article with no prescriptive character, it is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content can complement, but should never replace, the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. There may be new relevant scientific evidence since the date of publication. Consult with your physician before using CBD. The therapeutic approach must always be personalized and depends on the professional assessment.

References

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3. Jan, T. R., Su, S. T., Wu, H. Y., & Liao, M. H. (2007). Suppressive effects of cannabidiol on antigen-specific antibody production and functional activity of splenocytes in ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice. International immunopharmacology, 7(6), 773-780 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2007.01.015.
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