Over the past 12 years, I have been treating patients with a variety of autoimmune conditions utilizing a combination of cannabinoids in conjunction with functional medicine. The results have been life-changing for many of my patients. Episode 9 of my podcast, “The Cannabis Friendly Guide to Wellness” is available to those who would like a comprehensive explanation of the pathophysiology and treatment of autoimmune disease. Some of the information included below is relatively new and can be an addendum to this podcast episode.
Hemp derived non-psychoactive cannabinoids:
CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids (along with THC) and has several properties that can not only relieve symptoms, but can actually improve autoimmune disease. There are three main mechanisms of action unique to CBD when treating these conditions.
Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is a byproduct of autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation is implicated as a contributing factor in developing many chronic diseases including (but not limited to) cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Inflammation is also implicated in the pain that results from many autoimmune related conditions.
Gut-healing: Many people who develop autoimmune conditions will have food sensitivities, the most common of which is due to gluten. Gluten sensitive individuals will subsequently develop “leaky gut syndrome” which allows toxins to enter your body. This can cause a “hyper-immune” response to these toxins when they enter your bloodstream and this can lead to any number of autoimmune related disorders. CBD actually helps heal the gut, therefore preventing toxins from entering.
Immunosuppressive: Many medications, known as biologics, are available to treat a variety of autoimmune conditions. They are immunosuppressive drugs that can lower your response to invading organisms such as viruses, including COVID. CBD is immunosuppressive but does not lower the immune response to the point where it could cause harm. As a matter of fact, recent research suggests that CBD may actually be beneficial for those who are exposed to COVID by preventing replication of the virus in your body as well as preventing the cytokine storm that is responsible for severe COVID. I believe that CBD may be of benefit in preventing and treating long COVID.
CBG is now being studied and has been found to have a significant impact in preventing and treating a variety of conditions including brain and gut. It is an anti-inflammatory as well as having gut healing properties and enhances the effects of CBD. CBG may be useful in the prevention and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and IBD’s relationship to an increased risk of colon cancer. I will discuss attributes of CBG in greater detail in future newsletters as we learn more about this amazing compound.
CBDA is known as the acid form of CBD. It comes from the raw plant. When you heat CBDA from the cannabis plant, it converts to CBD. CBDA and CBD are different compounds with their own unique properties. CBDA is now considered to be a very powerful anti-inflammatory as well as having anti-cancer properties. THCA, the acid form of THC from the raw plant, is a non-psychoactive compound that has been found to have its own therapeutic benefits. We are learning more about the benefits of CBDA from ongoing research.
These three non-psychoactive cannabinoids can be derived from hemp and are legal for use within the US. They have different mechanisms of action and, when combined, may have more significant beneficial effect on chronic inflammation than CBD alone. These three cannabinoids have also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. They are available either in combination or individually, in both capsule and tincture form. When using any of these compounds, it is critical to only purchase full-spectrum products. This plant works much better with all its component parts. Many products on the market are either broad spectrum or isolates and are not as effective.
When you add THC, the psychoactive component to this formula, you will see greater pain relief as well as having the potential benefit of mood enhancement.
For more detailed information as it relates to your condition, I am available for consultation appointments through our CannaKoru.org website.
-Dr. Joe Cohen