Let's talk about Cannabis for Auto-immune Disorders.
Cannabinoids and the auto-immune system
The immune system is a very complex system. There are many biological processes at play. There are just as many different blood cells from leukocytes to lymphocytes and more. What makes cannabis for auto-immune disorders perfect is that cannabinoids are basically found in almost every part of our body. Cannabis compounds connect with the special cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system to act as messengers to communicate with the specific part of the body. Cannabinoid receptors 1(CB1) are more present in the brain, but can also be found in the immune cells. Cannabinoid receptors 2(CB2) are most abundant in the immune systems.
Cannabis compounds interact directly with immune cells and help to create real body change by:
Combatting auto-immune diseases
Marijuana doesn’t just relieve pain and reduce inflammation but also acts as an effective immune-modulator.
What Common Auto-immune disorders can be treated with Cannabis?
There are a great number of auto-immune diseases and the symptoms leave the person struggling with fatigue and pain, to name some. For the sake of the article we will look at the following:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis differs from other types of arthritis as it is an auto-immune disorder. The immune system attacks the joints and leads to chronic pain. They are inflamed and swollen. The most common parts of the body affected are hands, knees, wrists, elbows, feet, and ankles.
Marijuana can aid this disease to improve movement and reduce pain. It can also reduce the need for other medication. As cannabis acts as an anti-inflammatory, it helps reducing inflammation in the joints and therefore reduces pain as well.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is also an auto-immune disease and gets triggered when sufferers eat gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. When gluten is detected in the digestive tract, the villi in the lining of the small intestines get damaged. This results in limited absorption of key nutrients. Symptoms are stomach pain, migraine, digestion problems and weight loss and more.
How cannabis for auto-immune disorders can help celiac disease, is by activating the endocannabinoid system. Cannabis has a therapeutic effect on targeting the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the stomach. This leads to pain relief and the overall well-being of the digestive tract.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with widespread tenderness and pain. It creates pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Traditional medication has little effect and medical marijuana is a healthy alternative to treat fibromyalgia. Cannabis is an effective painkiller that taps into the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. Often cannabis for auto-immune disorders is the last resort for people suffering from fibromyalgia.
Final Thoughts
With the focus on treatment with cannabis for auto-immune disorders, it is just natural to look at how to use it. There are various methods and some of the most common ones are: smoking, vaping, edibles, juicing, oils sublingual, suppositories and topical creams. Whatever way you choose, make sure to stay within limits and bounce it off with a medical doctor if needed.
