The term “medical cannabis” (MC) refers to the use of a cannabis plant or cannabis extract for therapeutic purposes, often by inhalation or ingestion. Because there are so many active chemicals in cannabis plants, not only do they bind to so many distinct receptors, but they also interact with one another both synergistically and otherwise. As a result, the activity of full cannabis plants is incredibly complicated.
The endocannabinoid system (specifically activation of the CB2 receptor) has been shown to be a potential target for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune illnesses linked to immune cell activation, according to growing research into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis derivatives. It is challenging to apply translational cannabis research to human immune functions since there is currently a paucity of in vivo data.
Looking at preliminary clinical data in the three most significant autoimmune diseases of three different specialties—rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease—we summarized the main mechanisms of action of the medical cannabis plant in this review, particularly regarding the immune system and the endocannabinoid system.
One of the first plants to be domesticated, cannabis has been used for thousands of years as a raw material, food, and medication. Only 100 of its 538 chemical constituents are naturally occurring phytocannabinoids (PCs), which are typically categorized into the 10 subclasses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), D8THC, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabielsoin, cannabielsol, cannabicyclol, and cannabinol ( The CBD and D9THC subclasses have so far attracted the greatest scientific interest; in the 1960s, Gaoni and Mechoulam synthesized THC and CBD and were the first to separate them in order to characterize their structure and stereochemistry. The female plants’ trichomes, which are glandular protuberances on the leaves and stems, release PCs mostly in the form of resin. This resin is rich in PCs (primarily THC) and terpenoids (such as pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene), which give the plants their distinct aroma.
In this article, we gave a brief overview of cannabis as a medical treatment, synthesized the main immune system-related effects of the cannabis plant, and attempted to explain whether the effects of medical cannabis on the endocannabinoid system might be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases. The three most significant autoimmune disorders of three distinct specialties rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease—are discussed in our summary of preliminary clinical evidence on medicinal cannabis.
Medical marijuana
The term “medical cannabis” (MC) refers to the plant or an extract that is used for medical purposes. The extract typically has a specified ratio of THC to CBD. The administration of the preparations can be done orally, topically, or by vaporization and inhalation; sublingual, vaginal, or rectal administrations are less frequently used. The effects of oral cannabis formulations peak an hour or two after administration and last for 30 to 90 minutes. Since PCs are very lipophilic, the half-life of THC in fat is around eight days.
Additionally, it appears that oral CBD and THC biodistribution is stronger in the lymphoid tissues of the intestinal lymphatic system than in the larger lymphatic tissue of the central compartment, which may be especially helpful for treating chronic intestinal diseases. In contrast, its distribution to the lungs promotes quick absorption, a quick start to activity (after just one minute), and a maximum peak time of 30 minutes. This indicates that more severe disorders, such as spasticity linked to multiple sclerosis, are better treated via this method of administration.
The disadvantage is that adverse effects are more likely to develop the quicker THC enters the brain. The most common mild, dose-dependent adverse effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, vertigo, and nausea. Other well-documented side effects include blurred vision, tachycardia, gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea or stipsis, lost or increased appetite, dyspepsia), and muscular spasms. Very gradual dosage titration helps prevent THC-related adverse effects like weariness, tachycardia, and dizziness while simultaneously fostering tolerance to its euphoric side effects.