How Does CBD Affect Inflammation?

       The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors and chemicals throughout the body and involves many physiological processes, including inflammation and immune function. Research has suggested that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in developing and maintaining inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD and THC may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with these conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the endocannabinoid system’s role in inflammation and the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC. 

       Below are just a few of the conditions that Medicinal cannabis, including CBD and THC, may help alleviate inflammation with treatment. 

Ulcerative colitis
       Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon or large intestine. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulceration of the colon lining, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. There is some evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis and CBD may be helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. A few small studies have found that CBD can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with IBD, including ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s Disease
       Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) type that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that CBD effectively reduced the number of stools and improved the quality of life in people with Crohn’s disease. Another study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that CBD was well-tolerated and improved symptoms in a small group of people with Crohn’s disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis
       Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a chronic condition that typically affects the joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, although it can also affect other body parts. Evidence suggests that medicinal cannabis and CBD may help treat rheumatoid arthritis. A few small studies have found that CBD can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. One study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD effectively reduced pain and improved sleep in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis
       Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is often accompanied by a skin condition called psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin. A few small studies have found that CBD can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with psoriatic arthritis. One study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD effectively reduced pain and improved sleep in people with psoriatic arthritis. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD effectively reduced inflammation and pain in mice with psoriatic arthritis.

Lupus
       Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, blood vessels, and organs. It is a complex and often unpredictable condition ranging from mild to severe. One study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD effectively reduced inflammation and prevented organ damage in mice with lupus. Another study published in Autoimmunity Reviews found that CBD effectively reduced inflammation and improved quality of life in a small group of people with lupus.

Multiple Sclerosis
       Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is a progressive condition that causes inflammation and damages the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibres. A recent study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBD effectively reduced muscle spasms and improved sleep in people with multiple sclerosis. Another study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that CBD effectively reduced pain and improved quality of life in a small group of people with multiple sclerosis.

Managing your Condition with Cannabis Clinic

       Medicinal cannabis has shown promise as a potential treatment option for various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. While the research on the use of medicinal cannabis for these conditions is still in the early stages, results suggest that it may be a promising treatment option for many people.

       At Cannabis Clinic, our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping people understand the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis and providing safe and effective treatment options for those suffering from inflammation-related conditions. If you are interested in using medicinal cannabis, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate providers. With a prescription from your GP, we can explore whether medicinal cannabis may be a viable treatment option for you and help you get on with leading an everyday life. 

       If you have not experienced relief from your inflammation through traditional treatment methods, please consider completing our consultation form to learn more about how medicinal cannabis can help you manage your condition.