There are conditions wherein people undergo discomfort and irritation because of inflammation in different areas of the body.

Luckily, with marijuana medication, a lot of patients can feel some relief in preference to taking steroids, opioids, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). All of these can result in separate lasting and common side effects that can be serious.

Marijuana usage is not lacking risk, but the stated temporary negative effects are usually moderate and short-term. In contrast, the lasting effects are yet under exploration.

Marijuana works for triggering or neutralizing neurotransmitters that are helpful in controlling inflammation and discomfort within the body via the ECS (endocannabinoid system). Endocannabinoids (fat-based neurotransmitters) can be triggered with the cannabinoids in weed, counting THC and CBD via numerous receptors.  

CB1 and CB2 are the primary cannabinoid receptors. Most CB1 receptors are within the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are there within immune cells. To some level, there are certain cannabinoids that can combine with serotonin, opioid, adenosine, and dopamine receptor families. These may even aid therapeutic benefits and other medicinal effects. A recent study reveals that CB receptors can bond with the same receptors to cause effects, too.

Medicinal Cannabis Targeting Inflammation: Is THC an anti-inflammatory?

Both THC and CBD activate immunosuppression by activating apoptosis, or the natural procedure of cell death. It may result in apoptosis within immune cells like macrophages and T-lymphocytes. Therefore, it results in the reduction of the body’s natural creators of severe inflammation.

THC wards off inflammation by easing immune signalling proteins formed by cells (cytokines) of the immune system. As these cells are disordered, WBC (white blood cell) reproduction and the immune reactions are decelerated. 

In essence, THC eases the signs of inflammation and impedes the cause of inflammation as the body is fighting itself and bringing about inflammation.

You must bear in mind that the anti-inflammatory properties of marijuana work through various immune symptom reactions associated with the ECS. Concerning how weed aids on a cellular level, it relies on the kind of inflammation you’re seeing and on which part of the body it takes place.

As per novel research, it has been proved that there are other complex means with which cannabinoids can ease inflammation. Medical proof has exposed that CBD has an antioxidant effect within the body and can target free radicals that may lead to inflammation.

Furthermore, CBD has proven to aid in alleviating inflammation in inflammatory ailments. These can be Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases. It has even proved to aid with inflammatory skin problems like atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

THC for Improving Inflammation

THC triggers both CB1 and CB2 receptors in non-immune and immune cells, letting it control pain sensitivity and immune reactions. This lets triggering of the endocannabinoid system for improving inflammation.

As per the researchers, as marijuana is used, CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids that are there in the herb work together for easing inflammation.

CBD Oil For Those Having Inflammation: Should They Go For This Option?

For people anxious about feeling weakened because of cannabis, CBD oil is a workable option. CBD isn’t mind-altering, offsets certain effects from THC, and eases inflammation and pain sensitivity.

In case you have other signs that go alongside having serious conditions like insomnia or anxiety, CBD might aid in these ailments, too:

1.     Diabetes
2.     Epilepsy
3.     Multiple sclerosis
4.     Chronic pain 
5.     Arthritis
6.     Cancer
7.     Ulcerative colitis
8.     Crohn’s disease
9.     Gout and arthropathy
10. Inflammatory bowel disease

You also need to know that all kinds of continual inflammation are the result of a similar mechanism within the body. It is advisable for the patients to seek certified marijuana doctors for their particular condition since the means of delivery and dosages for every ailment differ. Nevertheless, cannabinoids aren’t still medicinally proven therapies for inflammatory disorders on a big scale.

How Does Inflammation Is Diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose inflammation or other related conditions that are responsible for it. Rather, depending on the signs, a medical practitioner will choose which tests might be required.

At first, your medical practitioner will take a full health history and organize a physical test. They might ask for bloodwork and imaging reports, too.

•       Blood tests

These medical tests can seek specific biological indicators that show that inflammation exist. But, these are viewed as informative instead of analytical. They provide the practitioner with clues as to what is happening in and around.

Your doctor might ask for the following tests:

1.     ESR or Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

EST test is generally carried out for finding whether inflammation is taking place.

2.     CRP or C-reactive protein

CRP is a protein that is naturally produced within the liver in reaction to inflammation. Greater degrees of CRP are prevalent in those undergoing chronic inflammation, acute inflammation, and inflammatory diseases.

•       Imaging

These are some imaging modalities that can help diagnose inflammation:

1.     Nuclear imaging
2.     Ultrasound having power Doppler
3.     FDG PET-CT
4.     MRI with gadolinium enhancement

Causes for Chronic Inflammation

Here are the main causes for chronic inflammation:

1.     Autoimmune diseases and immune system illnesses in which the body feels that specific cells are alien, and thus, assaults itself.
2.     Repetitive occurrences of chronic inflammation.
3.     The incompetence of the body for getting rid of infectious organisms like protozoa, fungi, and bacteria
4.     Biochemical and inflammatory inducers that lead to oxidative stress and cell dysfunction like gout.
5.     Exposure to irritants like chemical from industries or particulates like silica dust that the body cannot eradicate.

Chronic inflammation results in illnesses and disorders like multiple sclerosis, heart disorder, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, or COPD.

How Can We Prevent Chronic Inflammation?

Below we’ve mentioned a few lifestyle changes that one can adopt for preventing and reversing chronic inflammation:

1.     Quitting smoking
2.     Sleeping well at night
3.     Spending less time relaxing
4.     Visiting the doctor on regular occasions
5.     Reducing weight
6.     Adhering to a healthy diet chart that comprises whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
7.     Keeping away from isolation and connecting with others
8.     Participating in activities like yoga or meditation.

More about Inflammation

In point of fact, chronic inflammation takes place in the body on a regular basis. The indicative symptoms of chronic inflammation can be a pain, swelling, redness, etc. One’s body utilizes the immune system to ward off illness and recover from injuries. The problem takes place while this inflammation is enduring and turns out to be severe. The problem with chronic inflammation is that one’s body transfers WBCs to fight off the inflammatory targets, and they might begin to harm the healthy tissue, causing more problems.

Food That Might Cause Inflammation

1. Red meat
2. Sugary beverages
3. Fried foods
4. Refined carbs, such as pastries and white bread

Traditional Medications for Treating Inflammation

1. Topical medications

Topical medicines like steroids and analgesics can aid in easing chronic and acute inflammation in the body without giving any side effects. These can even aid in handling lasting inflammation as they comprise an NSAID.

2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are typically the first-line therapy for temporary pain and inflammation. A majority of NSAIDs are available, counting ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. The medical expert can even recommend prescription NSAIDs for specific inflammatory ailments.

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid is a kind of steroid that is widely employed for alleviating inflammation. These are obtainable in the form of pills and injections. These medications are recommended for only a short while as they can bring about severe adverse side effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabis

Several medical researches support the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis. For example, more than a decade ago, Canadian researchers scrutinized marijuana effects on nerve pain. Following the inhalation of 25 mg of a 9.4% marijuana tincture thrice a day for 5 days, those who took part said they felt a decline in the pain level.

It is essential to bear in mind that there are numerous strains of medicinal cannabis, out of which a few of them are better at warding off inflammation. Strains comprising a higher dosage of CBD are viewed as the best preferences for curing chronic pain and inflammation. In particular, the Sativa strains have properties suited for curing Crohn’s disease, arthritis, and inflammation.