With its soar in popularity, there is no surprise that so many questions are being asked about the benefits of using Cannabis. Scientific research is being done and will continue to be studied more in-depth with the laws around Cannabis being adjusted and amended across Canada.

Many experts have already cited that medical marijuana has proven to be a successful treatment to use in conjunction with some other medications; often decreasing their negative side effects. However, as a curious cannabis user, you may be wondering if Cannabis has any other benefits to the body. For example, can it weaken or boost your immune system? Does frequent use of weed cause you to be more prone to infections or contagious diseases, or will it help you to avoid them? Although not an extensive amount of research has been completed at this point in time, there are some studies that may shed some light on your queries.

 

The Immune System Basics

The immune system is made up of an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that serve as our body’s defense system against evil infectious organisms. It is essential to your well-being, and taking care to ensure that it is always in peak condition is definitely in your best interest.

The complexity of our immune system is baffling for many of us. It uses white blood cells, the complement system, antibodies, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow to actively combat and irradicate infection sometimes without us ever knowing anything was wrong. On top of all this, it has an impeccable memory of every microbe that it has previously defeated and logs it in your white blood cells. While scientists will have less red tape to work through in the upcoming years, there is some published research available that is exploring the effects of cannabinoids on white blood cells and the lymphatic system.

 

The Endocannabinoid System

In order to fully understand the impact that cannabis has on the immune system, it is vital to discuss the basics of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is not one the body uses alone; it is found throughout the body. Current research shows that cannabinoid receptors bind with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD to help our body self-regulating and balancing a wide variety of physiological functions.

The ECS is known to influence: your appetite, digestive system, and metabolism, your mood and stress, as well as your nervous system, immune system, and much more.

 

Cannabis’ Effects On The Immune System

According to a 2020 review, it has been found that CBD, as well as THC, can suppress certain inflammatory responses in the immune system and even prompt cellular death. Keep in mind, cellular death is not necessarily a bad thing – it is a common part of the cellular life cycle, and protects the body by alleviating inflammatory responses; this is especially helpful for people suffering from auto-immune diseases, HIV/AIDs and Type 1 diabetes. On the other hand, if you have a healthy and high-functioning immune system, scientists worry that ingesting or smoking high amounts of marijuana could possibly lead to an imbalance throughout your body; leading to in-efficiency and mis-fire, which may leave you more susceptible to infectious diseases.

 

The Verdict

Unfortunately, due to the lack of medical research done with Cannabis, we still only have preliminary information available on its effect on the human immune system. To date, studies have shown it to be overall beneficial to those who already have compromised immune function. However, those of you who are healthy and active seem to be doing yourself harm by ingesting or smoking high amounts of cannabis on a regular basis.  As previously mentioned, going into the future this question will be answered more comprehensively as the governments of more countries determine that the need for more research is present.

 

Local Vancouver Dispensary

If you would like more information or specifics about purchasing cannabis, consider getting in contact with your local Vancouver dispensary. ThePurpleButler.ca has the tools to help you answer any questions you may have. Send us a message and we will get back to you ASAP.