We all lived in fear that the coronavirus might make its way into our homes to our families and we all done our best to protect ourselves as best we knew how. Protecting ourselves doesn’t just mean socially distancing and wearing a mask we need to protect from within, protect our immune systems from foreign bodies and help fight against diseases and other potentially damaging threats. Our immune system when functioning properly, identifies and attacks intruders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites – distinguishing them from our body’s healthy tissue.

There are two types of white blood cells: lymphocytes and phagocytes which destroy antigens. The white blood cells act as a memory and help your body recognize these foreign bodies so that your immune system can expedite a response if it detects an invasion.

Hemp and cannabis are different varieties of the Cannabis sativa species. What makes the plant varieties popular and at times controversial is the presence of two active compounds in the plant’s chemistry called cannabinoids - these cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) both interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) but with different therapeutic outcomes.

Cannabidiol is a widely popular, non-psychoactive cannabinoid which covers a lot of ground while on its therapeutic travels. CBD is considered to be one of the most effective compounds to help support our immune system, decrease anxiety and depression as well as being an influential neuroprotectant, defending and supporting the vital neurons which make up our brain function.

A recent article posted earlier this year summarizes the effects and mechanisms of CBD in the immune system. The research results have proven that CBD includes anti-inflammatory properties and can work as an immunosuppressant and immunomodulator.

Although only recently discovered in the early 1990’s, the endocannabinoid system is a remarkable network of compounds and receptors often described as a central component of the health and healing of every human. Our bodies produce cannabinoids of our own, as well as producing two receptors for cannabinoids called CB1 and CB2 which are located in the ECS. The ECS works tirelessly to maintain the body’s internal balance and physical wellbeing. It creates an internal equilibrium, harmony and peace which resists even the most hostile fluctuations in the external environment. This state is known as homeostasis.

CB2 receptors are often found in our immune cells and primarily impact pain and inflammation, whereas CB1 receptors are more commonly found in the brain.

 Research has shown the potential use of cannabinoids as a new class of anti-inflammatory agents against a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that are primarily triggered by activated T cells or other cellular immune components. CBD can suppress T-Cell function and production,

This particular piece looks at the science behind CBD and how it can be used to suppress the function and secretion of cytokines. There are many particular cells in our immune system which secrete cytokines. The function of these proteins is to communicate with molecules that regulate the body's immunity and white blood cell production.

Additional reading links

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/ https://www.labcannamist.com/