Cannabis Has Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties!

Recent research in the industry proves that cannabis has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These studies have shown that THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes found within the cannabis plant work together to reduce inflammation in many parts of the body. Some cannabis strains work better to target inflammation due to the unique combinations of these components and the entourage effect they create.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

There are a few causes of chronic inflammation, such as:

• The body’s inability to remove different infections that resist its immune system
• Exposure to certain irritants that cannot be eliminated by the body
• Immune disorders or autoimmune diseases where the body starts to attack its own cells
• Biochemical and inflammatory inducers that cause cell dysfunctions and oxidative stress (such as gout)

Not all types of inflammation are inherently bad for you. Acute inflammation fends off foreign organisms to heal injuries, and is normally regarded as “good” inflammation. This type of inflammation goes away once the body has taken care of the issue and can last for a few days to about two weeks. When experiencing acute inflammation, there is usually nothing to worry about.

On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a long term condition that lasts for prolonged periods and can stick around for months or years. Some signs of chronic inflammation include joint stiffness, muscle pain, tendonitis, sleep disorders, persistent fatigue, and unexplained changes in weight. 

Which Conditions Are Linked To Chronic Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions and diseases such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Cancer
• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic pain

Since this type of inflammation lasts for an extended period, it can cause a lot of discomfort. It is also not yet known what its impact is and if it benefits the body in any way. 

Inflammation And Medicinal Cannabis

A study composed in 2020 investigated biomarkers of inflammation and self-reported medical cannabis users. The specific biomarkers analysed in these studies include the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, and Interleukin 6 (IL-6). 

Among patients who reported using marijuana and CBD oils within the month prior, a lower level of all these inflammation biomarkers were found. Whether you smoke it, vape it, take edibles, rub it on the affected area, or take CBD tinctures, you will likely notice a significant improvement in the severity of your inflammation due to the entourage effect.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

The most well-known cannabinoids are undoubtedly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but cannabis plants generally contain over 150 other cannabinoids. The entourage effect states that when the compounds found in cannabis are used in combination with one another, they create a much stronger effect than the individual compounds would. This is especially useful when treating specific health conditions, such as inflammation.

THC produces many health benefits, but many people do not want the accompanying high it produces, as it may create feelings of anxiety and fear in some cases. However, when using a strain that has high levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, the CBD may actually counter the intoxicating effect of THC. Since the two cannabinoids provide better results for reducing pain and inflammation, it is good to keep in mind that a strain with a high CBD content could still work for you even if you do not want to get high.

However, CBD on its own seems to greatly improve the symptoms of inflammation, so if you really do not want to use THC products, CBD isolates, broad-spectrum CBD, and full spectrum CBD are still a great option for you. In combination with some other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and terpenes, you can still get relief from inflammatory conditions.

How CBD Works To Treat Inflammation

Cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid system in the body to produce effects, which forms part of the endocannabinoid system. The body has two receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

CB1 receptors are particularly present in the brain and are responsible for coordinating movement, emotion, pain, thinking, appetite, and more. CB2 receptors are found mostly throughout the immune system, affecting inflammation and pain. THC attaches more to the CB1 receptors, whereas CBD stimulates the body to produce its own set of cannabinoids to fight off inflammation by attaching to the CB2 receptors.

The Best Strains To Relieve Inflammation

Many cannabis strains do not have an isolated effect – they usually help to alleviate more than one issue. Here are some of the best strains to relieve acute and chronic inflammation:

Should You Try CBD Products For Inflammation?

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis, making it a viable option for those who do not want THC in their products. Since not all types of inflammation are caused by the same bodily mechanisms, it is a good idea to consult your doctor for recommendations on which strains will work best for you. You will also need recommendations on the right dosages.

Steroids and other commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals have a long list of side effects. Using steroids can cause the immune system to become less efficient in all aspects, muscle weakness, and many other issues. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can result in stomach pains and ulcers.  

On the other hand, cannabis is short on side effects. You will experience increased calmness and a substantial reduction in pain and inflammation. Applying CBD oil to the skin as a topical treatment is also beneficial for treating inflammation, which is a great option if you do not want to ingest the product. It has also been reported that cannabis treatments are more effective than traditional anti-inflammatory medication.

Cannabis And COVID-19

People who are affected by the COVID-19 virus have reported that cannabis has helped them – and there is a scientific reason behind this. Severe cases of COVID produce hyper-inflammatory states that affect the throat and lungs. The immunomodulatory effects as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis has made CBD drops and edibles very helpful in COVID cases. 

Of course, it is not recommended to smoke or vape cannabis during the most severe stages of COVID, as your lungs are already being affected by the virus and need time to heal.

Cannabis is a great option for those who are looking to treat both acute and chronic inflammation. There are a number of cannabis strains that specifically target inflammation receptors in the body to relieve the symptoms thereof. There are also many topical CBD ointments you can apply to the affected area. Using cannabis related products may be much more beneficial and safer than traditional treatments for inflammation, making it worth your while to try it out.