Cannabis has proved to be a remarkable aid in the healthcare department today. It’s ancient use as an alternate medicine has now evolved into one of the mainstream medical treatments even for the most serious ailments like cancer and PTSD. And as the research on this green herb continues, more surprising facts unfold about the medical potential of cannabis. One of these discoveries include the role of THC for inflammation.
Medical cannabis is commonly recommended for conditions involving inflammation. And one of the main workforce that renders cannabis its anti-inflammatory properties are the cannabinoids. Today, we’ll be discussing one of the components of this work force, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and the role it plays in inflammation.
How Does Inflammation Occur?
Inflammation isn’t actually a bad thing. It’s a function of the immune system that acts like a defense mechanism against bacteria, trauma, heat, toxins or any other foreign substance. Your immune system directs a number of substances and white blood cells to the infected area to eliminate the cause and keep the affected area from spreading or coming in contact with other parts of the body. This process causes inflammation.
As long as it is the right amount, inflammation isn’t worrisome. It’s only when the immune system isn’t responding well and the inflammation is either excessive or lacking. That’s when you develop an inflammatory disease.
In these cases, the immune response is either triggered without any foreign presence or the inflammation lasts longer than they should. As a result the patient may develop medical conditions like Arthritis, Crohn’s disease or even cancer. The conditions are also followed by minor or severe pain that may disturb your sleep cycles and ability to carry out daily activities.
Inflammatory diseases are generally treated with anti-inflammatory medications and changes in lifestyle that may include mild stretching and relaxing exercises and a healthy diet. But as the scientific researches continue, there’s another viable option that has proven to be effective against inflammation- medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis for Inflammatory Diseases
Just like a normal pharmaceutical, cannabis is a combination of more than 400 different chemicals. Each of these chemicals deliver varied effects on the body. One of these diverse effects is anti-inflammation.
Out of the many chemicals that exist in cannabis, cannabinoids are the stars of the show. These chemical compounds, specifically THC and CBD are processed in the body by the endocannabinoid system to reduce unnecessary inflammation in the body. Since we are focused on the anti-inflammatory response of THC, let’s understand how this cannabinoid works in the body.
Role of THC as an Anti-inflammatory
Let’s begin by understanding how your body processes THC. It’s very important for the human body to maintain homeostasis or equilibrium in all of its body functions to maintain optimum functioning. The endocannabinoid system is assigned the task of maintaining this state of homeostasis.
The endocannabinoid system checks the equilibrium of the entire body using one of its major components called the CB receptors. These receptors are of two types, CB1 and CB2 which are spread all across the body.
When these receptors are activated, they take control over a number of physiological processes and cause different changes in the body. One of the activators of the CB receptors are the cannabinoids of cannabis, in this case, THC.
THC is absorbed by the bloodstream to reach the CB receptors. These two fit in together like lock and key. Once the receptors are activated by THC, your body begins to feel the effects.
Now, with this information in mind, let us understand the anti-inflammatory aspect of THC.
Role of The Endocannabinoid System in Inflammation
We already know that inflammation is an immune response. So if you can control the immune system, inflammation will be controlled as well. Well, the good thing is that the endocannabinoid system can help in this case.
The endocannabinoid system plays an immunomodulatory role. Remember we talked about the CB receptors? So while the CB1 receptors are mainly present in the central nervous system, the CB2 receptors primarily exist on the immune cells. This means that activation of the CB2 receptors can help manipulate the immune system and even help in regulating inflammation. So what do you think can help in activating these CB receptors? That’s right, it is THC.
Studies show that manipulation of the endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids produced in the body) or the use of external cannabinoids like THC from cannabis can help treat inflammatory disorders. THC treatment inhibits the immune responses and thus reduces the inflammation.
THC has the ability to reduce the production and release of proinflammatory cytokines. This is how THC helps in preventing cytokine storms in lung inflammation too. In a research where mice were treated with THC, the observation concluded that the levels of T-cells and dendritic cells reduced significantly concluding that THC is immunosuppressive.
So we can conclude that THC has great potential as an anti-inflammatory treatment. But THC is a product of cannabis which isn’t a federally legal medicine yet. So to be able to use THC as a medication you would need a consultation with a medical professional and own an MMJ Card Santa Rosa.
Best Cannabis Strains For Inflammation
Over the years, cannabis cultivators have developed thousands of different types of cannabis strains. Each of these strains have a different combination of chemical components that are suitable for different medical conditions. So out the variety of strains available in the market, here are a few that are very effective against inflammation.
ACDC
ACDC is a sativa-dominant strain that is perfect for medicinal users. It’s high CBD and low THC levels deliver all the medical benefits without feeling an intense high while keeping the benefits of THC. It helps in achieving full body relaxation, helps increase focus and reduce pain caused by inflammation.
Cannatonic
If you need a strain that you can consume in the day without getting locked to the couch, Cannatonic is for you. It is a low THC and high CBD variant that is very effective in reducing inflammation and pain. The best part is that you can take a dose of Cannatonic and go about your day without feeling any fatigue or buzz.
Harlequin
Harlequin is one of the popular sativa dominant strains that are ideal for day-time use. It’s high CBD content helps in relaxation and reducing inflammation. The low THC ratio allows the strain to help uplift the mood and energy levels and go through the day without feeling miserable.
Blueberry Kush
If your inflammation disorder is messing with your sleep, try a dose of Blueberry Kush. This indica-dominant strain will relieve you of the discomfort of inflammation and relax your body for a good night’s rest.
Now that you are familiar with the anti-inflammatory aspects of THC, try treating your medical condition with medical cannabis and experience the improvement in your lifestyle.