Inflammation is a natural part of our immune system. It is how we combat infections from pathogens like bacteria, and viruses, or if there is tissue injury. We need inflammation to act fast, and then stop when the infection or tissue injury or threat is over. However, sometimes we cannot stop the inciting pathogen, we simply lose the natural homeostasis of our immune system, and it remains “turned on”, and we develop chronic inflammation, and it can cause continues tissue damage or disease progression. Many common diseases are associated with chronic inflammation such as arthritis, asthma, COPD, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease and skin disorders.

What Does The Evidence Say:

  • In a review article published in May 2022, the authors summarize numerous animal studies showing reduction numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines by CBD, CBG and THC such as IL-1IL-6, TNF-α, ROS, and iNOS in various tissues. PMID: 35614947
  • In a systematic review of various animal studies, the authors reported Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and interferon gamma were the most commonly studied pro-inflammatory cytokines and their levels were consistently reduced after treatment with CBD, CBG, or CBD+THC, but not with THC alone. PMCID: PMC8266561
  • A small CBD only study in 2023 in various cancer patients did not show and reduction in the inflammatory marker of serial over 28 days. It was CBD isolate, median 400 mg dose, and most patients were already on corticosteroids. Which the authors noted, though that was factored, and no change in pain was noted. CRPPMID: 37837446
  • A system review in 2022 in various gynecological pain conditions showed and average of 3.35±1.39 on the 10-point visual analog scale over 3 month in woman. The dosing of cannabis was several times per week and up to THC of 70 mg and CBD 2000 mg. The limitations of the study are the various conditions, and dosing methods. PMID: 35104069
  • In 2021, a small randomized control or 32 patients showed improvement in quality of life and increased clinical remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. There was no endoscopic changes inflammatory markers. The patients used 0.5 g of 80 mg THC dried flower twice a day – essentially 16% THC. PMID: 33571293

Discussion and Key Considerations:

  • Very few and no clinical trials in humans showing any reduction in inflammatory biomarkers in humans. Of the studies, some show some improvement in QOL even if no change in the inflammatory markers.
  • Numerous and pharmacological reviews on the endocannabinoid system and its role with inflammation, and how Phytocannabinoids may help with inflammations.
  • Lots of review, and animal studies and models showing reductions of numerous pro-inflammatory markers.
  • Most animal studies are with CBD, but some data with CBG, and THC with CBD may work better than THC alone.
  • If cannabinoids are chosen for inflammatory conditions, patients and prescribers may need to monitor and measure other clinical symptoms or QOL markers versus inflammatory markers in their evaluation of cannabis therapies.

***Medical cannabis is an individualized experience and patients should be consulting their health care team members before self medicating with cannabis or any natural health product, ensuring no drug interactions or contraindications.

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