CBD And The Immune System: 4 Ways They're Connected

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins meant to defend your body against infection. And with new research identifying CBD's direct link to healthy immune function, it's no wonder folks are exploring CBD as a potential supplement for immune health.

Key Takeaways

• CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors
• CB2 receptors play a significant role in regulating the inflammatory immune response, suggesting that CBD may have a direct impact on the body's immune system
• CBD has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its potential therapeutic nature in regard to sleep and the reduction of stress
• Research has identified CBD as an immunosuppressant, thought to be potentially beneficial for those living with autoimmune diseases
• CBD is currently being researched as a potential immunomodulatory, thought to both be able to suppress and stimulate the immune system, though research remains ongoing

Below, we'll go through all the facts that researchers have determined about CBD and the immune system thus far. So keep reading to find out how CBD may impact your immune system for the better.

See Related: 6 Potential Health Benefits Only Broad-Spectrum CBD Can Offer

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

Before we can unpack how CBD may affect the immune system, it's important to understand how CBD interacts with the body in the first place.

Both THC and CBD interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, a cell-signaling system that's in charge of a variety of bodily functions. These functions include everything from mood, digestion, memory, and sleep.

Within the endocannabinoid system are endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the body and bind to endocannabinoid receptors.

These receptors then send various signals to different parts of the body, disseminating the various effects of CBD.

The Central Nervous System

These main endocannabinoid receptors consist of CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system, but especially in your immune cells. CBD is thought to prevent these endocannabinoids from breaking down so that they may have a more potent effect on the body.

But research is still looking into the various ways these cannabinoid receptors are utilized.

Cannabinoid Receptors And Immune Cells

When it comes to the immune system, there isn't any scientific evidence to suggest that it requires a boost, whether from THC and CBD, or otherwise. But, that's not to say that CBD's impact on the immune system can't be potentially beneficial for certain individuals.

Bonus: The Medicinal Properties Of Fly Agaric (Amanita Mushrooms)

How CBD Impacts the Immune System

While research into the effects of THC and CBD remains ongoing, here's what experts have managed to determine thus far:

#1. CBD Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD's anti-inflammatory effects have long been established. But what you may not know is that the body's CB2 receptor plays a significant role in regulating inflammatory immune responses.

Since CBD oil inhibits CB2, it is thought that CBD may actually help the body regulate inflammation as the endocannabinoid system amplifies its potential therapeutic effects.

#2. CBD As A Potential Immunosuppressant

A 2020 study recently found overwhelming data supporting the notion that CBD is immunosuppressive. This means that CBD is able to directly suppress the activation of multiple immune cell types while controlling other immune cell targets.

This is particularly exciting news for those with autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system mistakes a part of your body as a foreign threat and thus attacks it.

Unfortunately, this type of immune response can lead to several negative symptoms, namely inflammation. Luckily, CBD's newfound link to the body's immune system may actually be beneficial for individuals with an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Still, research remains ongoing into how CBD may act as a potential treatment for those with autoimmune disorders.

#3. CBD As A Potential Immunomodulator

While CBD's immunosuppressant effects are undeniable, research into CBD's potential as an immunomodulator remains ongoing.

An immunomodulator is something that can either suppress or stimulate the immune system. And in this 2009 study, researchers identified various mechanisms through which cannabinoids may modulate immune function overall.

That being said, there still isn't a large enough body of evidence to officially warrant CBD as an immunomodulator. But preliminary research has scientists optimistic about the prospect.

#4. CBD May Improve Stress And Sleep

There are many things that can prevent the weakening of the immune system, namely getting enough sleep and reducing the effects of stress. And CBD has been linked to both of these immune health functions.

This 2021 study investigated how cannabinoids may act in therapeutic roles within those suffering from sleep disorders. And this 2019 study identified CBD's efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors related to stress.

With these major drivers of immune health effectively linked to CBD, preliminary evidence finds CBD and its impact on immune response promising, to say the least.

The Bottom Line

As new research on the effects of THC and CBD continues to roll out, we at Clean Remedies could not be more excited to learn everything these amazing cannabinoids can do.

From CBD oil tinctures to CBD gummies, we've cultivated a whole range of CBD products that all aim to help you along your health and wellness journey. Using clean hemp in our products, we are passionate about offering you the highest-quality CBD on the market today.

Be sure to check back with us on the latest CBD news. We'll be the first to let you know of any new developments!

Keep Reading: Can CBD Lower Blood Pressure? Here's What We Know

--

Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.