Autoimmune Disorders and Cannabis

Autoimmune disorders are inflammatory diseases where a person’s immune system goes awry and attacks itself. Our immune system is designed to target and remove foreign pathogens, and can usually tell the difference between a foreign invader and “self.” However, in autoimmune disease, the immune system sees healthy cells as foreign invaders, and launches an attack, sending out antibodies targeting healthy tissue like joints, organs, or skin.  Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for these diseases and treatment options that include drugs that suppress the immune system come with many unwanted side effects.

Research shows that endocannabinoids control immune system functions and that cannabinoids like THC and CBD influence immune system responses by suppressing the activation of specific immune cells. This works because they trigger apoptosis, or cell death, in immune cells called T-lymphocytes and macrophages. T-lymphocytes and macrophages are responsible for attacking foreign pathogens in the body, but when an autoimmune disease occurs, these cells attack healthy tissues and cause inflammation. Triggering cell death means a decrease in these cells attacking healthy tissue.  Based on these actions, there has been growing interest in the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus type 1 and rheumatoid arthritis. 

A 2021 clinical trial review published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research evaluated the results of 24 studies focusing on autoimmune disease and immunosuppression. They found that CBD was responsible for decreasing the number of TH1 and TH17 proinflammatory cells as well as decreasing proinflammatory molecules including cytokines, interleukin, and interferon. 

Research has also shown that terpenes, naturally occurring chemicals found in plants responsible for aromas, work together to exert anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive (blocking the perception of pain) activities. Studies have also found that using CBD, THC and other combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes tends to help relieve inflammatory responses in the body better than just utilizing THC on its own. Using cannabinoids in combination together for an increase in health benefits is known as the entourage effect.