Is Cannabis THC and CBD Anti-Inflammatory? How?

When there’s an injury or infection in the body, inflammation acts as a natural defense reaction. Inflammation plays a big role in tumor progression by either damaging resident tissues or promoting tumor growth. Chronic inflammation can also cause other diseases or conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and autoimmune diseases.

Key Takeaways

• THC can help alleviate inflammation by interacting with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
• Diseases with inflammation that can ease with the use of  THC are multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• On the other hand, THC can cause inflammation, particularly in the airway, when smoking or vaping cannabis.
• CBD reduces inflammation by interacting with CB2 receptors which modulate the immune response to regulate inflammation.
• Candy Crush, Cherry Burst, Harlequin CBD, MAC 1, and Mai Tai Gravity are the strains available at Siam Green that help with inflammation.
• Cannabis use can deliver several side effects such as dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia, and can lead to addiction and dependency as long-term effects.

How does cannabis help with inflammation?

Weed or cannabis contains hundreds of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, THC and CBD are the two most common cannabinoids that are usually talked about. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for making you feel “high” after you consume weed. THC can overstimulate the endocannabinoid system causing its negative effects but at the same time, it can also be beneficial for alleviating inflammation.

What is the endocannabinoid system? Great question!

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the system in our body that regulates pain and inflammation and it plays an important role in how the body deals with inflammation. For better understanding, it can be broken down into 3 main components:

1. Endocannabinoids: They are naturally produced by our body. The cannabinoids we produced share a similar structure to cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants.
2. Receptors: CB1 and CB2 are the two main types of receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors can be found in the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 receptors can be found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.
3. Enzymes: The enzymes break down endocannabinoids as well as THC and CBD.

The relationship between THC and inflammation is complex. To answer the question asking if THC can help with inflammation or not, well, the precise and clear answer is “mixed”. And why is that? That’s because some research has shown the anti-inflammatory properties of THC in some cases, and some showed that THC can also cause inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of THC

Several studies have shown the properties of THC to reduce pain and inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation conditions caused by chronic pain and arthritis. Reducing neuroinflammation is also another property of THC which is potentially benefiting those suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s. THC along with other cannabinoids has been studied for its potential to ease the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as pain, nausea, and appetite loss. On top of that, THC is known for being a candidate for glaucoma treatment because of its potential to reduce eye pressure which is a common symptom of glaucoma.

Conversely, higher doses or chronic use of THC are associated with pro-inflammatory responses and the respiratory system can be irritated from smoking or vaping THC which can lead to airway inflammation and other respiratory issues.

What about CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major bioactive compound in cannabis and is reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Its intoxicated effects make it desirable to many individuals as a therapeutic option. Some clinical evidence suggests that CBD may also have a wide range of pharmacological properties including anxiolytic, antipsychotic, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) through CB2 receptors modulating the immune response to reduce inflammation.

5 Weed Strains That Help With Inflammation

All strains listed below can be found on the Siam Green Cannabis Co. website along with other top-shelf weeds.

• Candy Crush – A perfect combination of two strains, Lifesaver and Airheadz F2, created this Indica-dominant hybrid that produces THC levels of 15% to 23%. It’s known for its sugary sweet fruity flavor and won third place in the Spannabis Cannabis Champions Cup in 2012.
• Cherry Burst – Another Indica-dominant hybrid strain but this time it was made by mixing Tropicana Cherry with Super Buff Cherry #26 strains. The strain has gained popularity for delivering potent effects.
• Harlequin CBD – This strain is a groundbreaking natural remedy making it a standout choice for those seeking health wellness and relief. Harlequin CBD provides a sense of calmness while enhancing mood as well as making you more focused.
• MAC 1 – Crafted from Alien Cookies F2 and Miracle 15, this strain is rare and delivers potent euphoria with just one hit, making it popular for reducing stress, anxiety, inflammation, and pain.
• Mai Tai Gravity – A perfect 50/50 hybrid strain developed by the crossbreeding between Maui Waui and Tutti Frutti resulting in a strain that offers potent effects with a sweet aroma and rich flavors.

Risk and Side Effects of Cannabis Consumption

Even though there has never been a fatal cannabis overdose, some of you may experience some negative side effects from consuming weed which may include:

• Psychoactive effects
• Impaired coordination
• Impaired cognitive
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Dizzy

Chronic users or long-term effects of cannabis may develop dependency, addictions, respiratory issues, and memory impairments.

Conclusion

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to an injury or infection that can cause other diseases such as heart disease and chronic pain. Cannabis becomes another natural remedy to help with the inflammation caused by several factors. The endocannabinoid system in the human body plays an important role in how the body deals with inflammation. THC and CBD found in cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors is how weed can reduce inflammation. However, consuming higher doses of THC such as smoking or vaping can cause inflammation to the respiratory system instead. Several cannabis strains may help alleviate inflammation, Siam Green suggested 5 strains including Candy Crush, Cherry Burst, Harlequin CBD, MAC 1, and Mai Tai Gravity. Lastly, please keep in mind that although cannabis may provide numerous health benefits, it still causes some side effects and can lead to other serious conditions after long-term use.