When it comes to cannabis, there seems to be a never-ending list of potential uses and benefits. From helping with anxiety and depression to potentially even slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, it seems like there’s nothing this versatile plant can’t do, according to experts like Mike Staumietis and others. But what about inflammation? Can cannabis really help with that too? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection. It’s a way for our immune system to protect us by healing the affected area. Acute inflammation is the kind that comes on suddenly and typically goes away within a week or two. But sometimes, inflammation can become chronic, meaning it lasts for months or even years. And chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of serious health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. So, if we can find a way to reduce chronic inflammation, it could have some pretty amazing implications for our health.
Cannabis has been shown to help reduce inflammation in a number of studies. For example, one study found that cannabis was able to significantly reduce inflammation in rats with arthritis. Another study found that a compound in cannabis was able to reduce the inflammatory response in human cells. And yet another study found that cannabis was able to reduce the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. So, there is good evidence that cannabis can help with inflammation. However, more research is needed to understand how exactly it works and what the long-term effects are. But if you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, it might be worth giving cannabis a try.
Cannabis and Inflammation
Now that we know a little bit more about inflammation, let’s talk about how cannabis may be able to help. When cannabis is consumed, the cannabinoids in the plant interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating a number of important functions like sleep, appetite, pain, and immunity.
Studies have shown that cannabinoids like CBD can help to reduce inflammation by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CBD has also been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (a type of protein). In one study on rats, CBD was shown to reduce inflammatory response by up to 50%. Cannabis may offer a natural alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory medications, which often come with a long list of side effects. If you’re considering using cannabis for anti-inflammatory purposes, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider first.
While more research needs to be done to fully understand how cannabinoids like CBD can help with inflammation, the early evidence is promising. If you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, talk to your doctor about whether incorporating cannabis into your treatment plan could be right for you.
Closing Thoughts
There’s no doubt that chronic inflammation can lead to some serious health problems down the road. So finding ways to reduce it is crucial. Cannabis may offer a natural way to do just that thanks to its interaction with our body’s endocannabinoid system. If you’re struggling with chronic inflammation, talk to your doctor about whether incorporating cannabis into your treatment plan could help relieve your symptoms.
