Cannabis affects a body system that helps regulate immune responses — whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on what’s going on in your body.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), with which cannabis interacts, plays a role in maintaining homeostasis — or balance — of the immune system. The ECS is sometimes called a “gate-keeper,” preventing overwhelming inflammatory responses.
Suppressing the immune system may make cannabinoids (some of the active chemicals in cannabis) helpful for treating autoimmune diseases — and researchers are looking at using cannabinoids as an alternative to steroids.
But that same benefit can also be a drawback. With infections from pathogens, immunosuppressive effects can be problematic. They can block the body’s natural and needed immune responses. Most of that research has been done on animals, however. And using cannabis here and there might be very different than using it all the time.
In short, more research is needed. The good news is that a lot is being done, including using cannabinoids as a treatment for COVID-19 symptoms.
Read the full article on how marijuana affects the immune system:
