Cannabis Inflammation Research

Regular cannabinoid use and inflammatory biomarkers: Systematic review and hierarchical meta-analysis.

Murri, Martino Belvederi · 2026

Cannabis use was associated with higher anti-inflammatory biomarkers (SMD = 0.298, PD = 99%) and pro-inflammatory biomarkers (SMD = 0.166, PD = 100%).

The Pleiotropic Influence of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analytical Synthesis.

Candeloro, Bruno Moreira · 2025

Pooled estimates showed trivial and imprecise effects: IL-6 (SMD -0.17, p=0.41), IL-8 (SMD -0.30, p=0.06), IL-10 (SMD -0.10, p=0.79), and TNF-alpha (SMD -0.09, p=0.62).

Cannabis use disorders may protect against certain disorders of the digestive organs in people with schizophrenia but not in healthy controls.

Olesen, Julie Aamand · 2020

Among 21,066 schizophrenia cases and 176,935 matched controls, cannabis use disorders in schizophrenia patients were associated with decreased risk of gut-brain interaction disorders (IBS, dyspepsia; HR 0.84, p=0.003) and inflammatory bowel disease (HR 0.70, p=0.045).

Gastrointestinal Adverse Events of Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Inverse Agonists suggest their Potential Use in Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Fabisiak, Adam · 2019

Rimonabant 20mg produced significantly more GI adverse events than placebo (OR 2.05) and overall adverse events (OR 1.35).

The Endogenous Cannabinoid System: A Budding Source of Targets for Treating Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain.

Donvito, Giulia · 2018

This comprehensive review examined the entire endocannabinoid system as a source of pain treatment targets, covering CB1 and CB2 receptors plus the enzymes that make and break down endocannabinoids (FAAH and MAGL). In preclinical models, cannabinoid receptor agonists and inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes (FAAH and MAGL) produced reliable antinociceptive (pain-reducing) effects across multiple inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. A particularly notable finding: these compounds offered opioid-sparing effects, meaning they could reduce the amount of opioid medication needed for pain control. Clinical studies showed that medicinal cannabis or cannabinoid-based medications relieve pain in cancer, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.

Medical Use of Cannabinoids.

Fraguas-Sánchez, Ana Isabel · 2018

This extensive review covered the therapeutic landscape of cannabinoids across dozens of medical conditions. Six cannabinoid medications had already received regulatory approval: nabilone and dronabinol capsules for chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, dronabinol capsules and oral solution for anorexia, THC:CBD oromucosal spray (Sativex) for MS-related spasticity and cancer pain, and CBD oral solution (Epidiolex) for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy syndromes. Beyond approved uses, the review found evidence supporting potential applications in inflammatory and neuropathic pain, various cancer types (brain, breast, prostate), neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's), PTSD and anxiety disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, eye diseases, and substance abuse disorders (particularly alcohol and opioid). The endocannabinoid system's involvement in energy balance, appetite, blood pressure, pain modulation, nausea, memory, learning, and immune response explains the breadth of potential therapeutic applications..

Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years after THC.

Maccarrone, Mauro · 2015

Written by many of the scientists who discovered key components of the endocannabinoid system, this comprehensive review examined how endocannabinoids function throughout the body beyond the brain. The endocannabinoid system was found to control fundamental biological processes including cell survival, death, and differentiation across nearly every organ system.

Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn's disease: a prospective placebo-controlled study.

Naftali, Timna · 2013

Twenty-one patients with active Crohn's disease (CDAI >200) who had failed steroids, immunomodulators, and anti-TNF agents were randomized to cannabis cigarettes (115 mg THC twice daily) or placebo cigarettes (cannabis with THC extracted).

The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis.

Malfait, A M · 2000

Using two mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis, researchers tested CBD given after clinical symptoms had already appeared, mimicking how patients would actually use the treatment. CBD effectively blocked arthritis progression in both acute and chronic relapsing models.

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy Is Associated with the Suppression of Circulating Maternal Cytokines.

Alshaarawy, Omayma · 2026

Cannabis use suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ (β=-0.5) and IL-12 (β=-0.3) and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (β=-0.7) and IL-10 (β=-0.4) in pregnant women, indicating broad immune modulation rather than simple immunosuppression..

Impact of cannabidiol on myocardial recovery in patients with acute myocarditis: primary results of the ARCHER study.

McNamara, Dennis M · 2026

CBD (up to 10 mg/kg BID for 12 weeks) did not significantly improve ECV (p=0.054) or GLS (p=0.90).

Cannabidiol suppresses emergency MDSCs generation by disturbing EEF1B2-mediated C/EBPβ protein synthesis in colorectal adenomas.

Pan, Jie · 2026

CBD prevented colorectal adenomas in both AOM/DSS and high-fat diet Apcmin/+ mouse models by binding to EEF1B2, inhibiting C/EBPb protein synthesis, and suppressing MDSC generation.

Altered endocannabinoid system gene expression in inflammatory bowel disease mucosa: New perspectives in inflammatory bowel disease management.

Pelisenco, Iulia Andreea · 2026

In IBD patients, FAAH, PPARG, and TRPV1 were significantly downregulated in inflamed mucosa compared to non-inflamed tissue and controls.

Unveiling Neurological Benefits: A Review of Hemp Leaf, Flower, Seed Oil Extract, and Their Phytochemical Properties in Neurological Disorders.

Purushothaman, Atchuthan · 2026

This review synthesized evidence on how different parts of the hemp plant — seeds, leaves, and flowers — contain distinct bioactive compound profiles with relevance to neurological disorders. Flowers are richest in cannabinoids (particularly CBD) and terpenes, which interact with the endocannabinoid system, neurotransmitter receptors, and inflammatory pathways.

Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol oil in psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Roongpisuthipong, Wanjarus · 2026

In a 28-patient RCT, oral CBD oil 60 mg/day did not significantly improve PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores versus placebo.

Endocannabinoid Modulation in Headache: Mechanisms, Models, and Translational Therapies.

Wen, Jie · 2026

The endocannabinoid system modulates trigeminovascular firing, CGRP release, neurogenic inflammation, cortical spreading depression, and glial activation after brain injury.

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological mechanisms of cannabinoids in alleviating chemotherapy-induced organ toxicity and adverse effects.

Zia, Bushra · 2026

CB2 receptor activation attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing inflammation.

Combination of CBD with minor cannabinoid CBDV suppresses CXCR4 via CB2 receptor and alleviates colitis in mice.

Gelfand, Anat · 2025

The CBD:CBDV 20:1 combination significantly reduced CXCR4 expression in multiple immune cell types, impaired chemotaxis, and improved disease activity, colon length, and histological outcomes in DSS-induced colitis.

Cannabidiol regulates L-carnitine and butyric acid metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota to ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis.

Geng, Qishun · 2025

CBD altered gut microbiota composition in collagen-induced arthritis rats, notably changing abundances of Allobaculum and Prevotella species.

Recent cannabis use affects the association between baseline immune markers and long-term outcomes in psychosis.

Kreis, Isabel · 2025

Only sTNFR1 independently predicted lower risk of psychiatric readmission and psychotic episodes over 10 years.

Cannabis Use in HIV: Impact on Inflammation, Immunity and the Microbiome.

Langat, Robert · 2025

Cannabis use in PWH was associated with reduced inflammatory biomarkers (MCP-1, IP-10), improved gut barrier integrity through increased SCFA production, increased gut mucosal immunity, decreased immune activation, and a unique microbiome composition.

Comparative analysis of 105 datasets across species and tissues reveals differential transcriptomic responses to cannabinoids THC and CBD.

Liu, Ruoshui · 2025

CBD datasets showed more differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways across species.

Effects and safety of a CBD-rich Cannabis sativa oil in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial - CANOA - cannabis for osteoarthritis.

Mojoli, Andrés · 2025

This Brazilian trial is one of the most rigorous tests of CBD for osteoarthritis pain.

Effect of Cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on Anti-Inflammatory Lipid Mediator Synthesis in Humans.

Morris, Alan W J · 2025

Using plasma data from multiple clinical studies, high-CBD cannabis use led to increased levels of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, particularly lipoxins produced through the 15-LOX pathway.

Cannabis Use in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease​​: Friend or Foe? A Retrospective Analysis.

Paladiya, Ruchir · 2025

After adjusting for confounders, cannabis use among MASLD patients was associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.70), cirrhosis (aOR 0.72), decompensated cirrhosis (aOR 0.73), chronic kidney disease (aOR 0.81), and hepatocellular carcinoma (aOR 0.71).

Sex differences in endocannabinoid and inflammatory markers associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Rajasekera, Therese A · 2025

Among 88 PTSD patients and 85 matched controls, male PTSD patients had significantly decreased levels of AEA, arachidonic acid, and OEA compared to male controls and female subgroups.

Cannabis Use and Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

Sohal, Aalam · 2025

Cannabis use was associated with decreased odds of mortality (aOR 0.47, p<0.001), DVT (aOR 0.71, p<0.001), pulmonary embolism (aOR 0.622, p=0.002), ICU admission (aOR 0.705, p<0.001), and pancreatic cancer (aOR 0.730, p=0.021).

Symphony of the gut microbiota and endocannabinoidome: a molecular and functional perspective.

Wang, Yang · 2025

The gut microbiota and endocannabinoidome interact bidirectionally: gut bacteria influence endocannabinoid levels and receptor expression, while endocannabinoid signaling shapes gut microbial composition and intestinal barrier function.

Cannabinoids in immune system-related diseases: From bench to clinic.

Zhang, Wenyu · 2025

Cannabinoids regulate immune function through the endocannabinoid system at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.

UK medical cannabis registry: an updated analysis of clinical outcomes of cannabis-based medicinal products for inflammatory bowel disease.

Gupta, Aashray · 2024

Among 116 IBD patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry treated with cannabis-based products, there were statistically significant improvements in IBD-specific quality of life (SIBDQ), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), sleep quality (SQS), and general quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) over 18 months..

Type 2 cannabinoid receptor expression on microglial cells regulates neuroinflammation during graft-versus-host disease.

Moe, Alison · 2024

CB2 receptor expression on microglia induced an activated inflammatory phenotype that promoted accumulation of donor-derived proinflammatory T cells, regulated chemokine gene networks, and caused neuronal cell death in GVHD.

Cannabidiol - Help and hype in targeting mucosal diseases.

Moniruzzaman, Md · 2024

CBD has demonstrated promise for alleviating gut and lung diseases in vitro, and Epidiolex is the only FDA/TGA-approved CBD product.

Changes in Immune-Related Biomarkers and Endocannabinoids as a Function of Frequency of Cannabis Use in People Living With and Without HIV.

Murray, Conor H · 2024

PLWH had higher TNFR2 (p=0.013) and CD27 (p=0.004) and lower anandamide (p=0.027) and OEA (p=0.007) versus HIV-negative men.

Cannabis use in youth is associated with chronic inflammation.

Power, Emmet · 2024

Among 914 participants from the ALSPAC cohort, daily/near-daily cannabis use at age 24 was strongly associated with elevated suPAR (a chronic inflammation biomarker implicated in neurodegenerative processes).

Non-Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Visceral Pain.

Svendsen, Kristofer · 2024

Non-intoxicating cannabinoids (niCBs) show potential to normalize intestinal motility, reduce inflammation, and produce analgesic effects in preclinical models of visceral pain.

The Use of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Review of the Literature.

Nduma, Basil N · 2023

The majority of selected studies reported reduced clinical complications as measured by Mayo scores, CDAI, Lichtiger Index, and Harvey-Bradshaw Index, along with weight gain and improved patient wellbeing.

Cannabis Use and Its Association With Thirty- and Ninety-Day Hospital Readmissions for Patients Admitted for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Exacerbation.

Oseni, Ellen A · 2023

Of 1,021 IBD admissions, 7.25% reported cannabis use.

Symptoms and Extraintestinal Manifestations in Active Cannabis Users with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Coates, Matthew D · 2022

Cannabis users (7.8% of the cohort, average 2.7 times/week) were more likely to report abdominal pain (83.3% vs.

Cannabinoid receptor 2 evolutionary gene loss makes parrots more susceptible to neuroinflammation.

Divín, Daniel · 2022

All parrots (Psittaciformes) have a nonfunctional CB2 gene due to chromosomal rearrangements.

Cannabis use selectively modulates circulating biomarkers in the blood of schizophrenia patients.

Ibarra-Lecue, Inés · 2022

Platelet serotonin 2A receptors, active Akt protein, anandamide, other lipid mediators, and pro-inflammatory IL-6 were all significantly increased in schizophrenia patients.

Cannabinoids in rheumatology: Friend, foe or a bystander?

Jain, Nibha · 2022

Cannabinoids act through CB1 and CB2 receptors with potential analgesic effects.

Cannabinoid and endocannabinoid system: a promising therapeutic intervention for multiple sclerosis.

Khan, Hina · 2022

Clinical studies confirm cannabinoids relieve MS pain, tremors, and spasticity.

Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Kurlyandchik, Inna · 2022

Plasma levels of oleoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide were significantly increased in fibromyalgia patients compared to controls.

Frequent Low-Dose Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Adolescence Disrupts Microglia Homeostasis and Disables Responses to Microbial Infection and Social Stress in Young Adulthood.

Lee, Hye-Lim · 2022

Daily THC from postnatal day 30 to 44 produced microglia dysfunction in both male and female mice that persisted to young adulthood (PND70) but receded by PND120.

Adolescent self-administration of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 induces neurobiological and behavioral alterations in adult male mice.

Margiani, Giulia · 2022

Adolescent mice acquired JWH-018 self-administration behavior that was specifically reward-driven and blocked by a CB1 antagonist.

Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review.

Martins, Ana M · 2022

The discovery of a skin endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining skin homeostasis supports the anti-inflammatory potential of topical cannabinoids.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of the Cannabis Terpene Myrcene in Rat Adjuvant Monoarthritis.

McDougall, Jason J · 2022

Local application of myrcene (1 and 5 mg/kg) reduced joint pain and inflammation in rats with chronic arthritis via a cannabinoid receptor mechanism.

Cannabis for Rheumatic Disease Pain: a Review of Current Literature.

Nowell, William Benjamin · 2022

Publications on cannabis and rheumatic disease have increased, but recent literature skews heavily toward reviews over primary research.

Cannabis suppresses antitumor immunity by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling in T cells through CNR2.

Xiong, Xinxin · 2022

THC reduced the therapeutic effect of PD-1 checkpoint blockade in tumor-bearing mice.

Attitudes towards and use of cannabis in New Zealand patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an exploratory study.

Appleton, Kerry · 2021

51% reported ever using cannabis.

The independent and combined effects of cannabis use and systemic inflammation during the early stages of psychosis: exploring the two-hit hypothesis.

Corsi-Zuelli, Fabiana · 2021

Cannabis did not increase inflammation (ruling out a mediating pathway).

Immunomodulatory Potential of Cannabidiol in Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review.

Furgiuele, Alessia · 2021

Rodent EAE models strongly support CBD as effective against autoimmune neuroinflammation.

Cannabis use assessment and its impact on pain in rheumatologic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Guillouard, M · 2021

40.4% of rheumatology patients reported ever using cannabis and 15.3% reported current use.

Endocannabinoid System as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Systematic Review.

Hryhorowicz, Szymon · 2021

The endocannabinoid system regulates intestinal homeostasis, gut motility, visceral sensation, and inflammation.

Tolerability profile of topical cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide: a compilation of single-centre randomized evaluator-blinded clinical and in vitro studies in normal skin.

Maghfour, J · 2021

Patch testing on healthy participants showed no irritation or sensitization from any CBD or PEA product tested.

Oral CBD-rich Cannabis Induces Clinical but Not Endoscopic Response in Patients with Crohn's Disease, a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Naftali, Timna · 2021

CDAI dropped from 282 to 166 in the cannabis group vs 264 to 237 in placebo (P < 0.05).

Cannabis use of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Germany: a cross-sectional survey.

Neufeld, Tanja · 2021

17.5% had used cannabis recreationally; 4.3% currently used cannabis to treat IBD.

Attitudes and Knowledge of Australian Gastroenterologists Around the Use of Medicinal Cannabis for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Benson, Melissa J · 2020

39% had patients using medical cannabis.

Evidence supporting the benefits of marijuana for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is extremely limited: a meta-analysis of the literature.

Desmarais, Anna · 2020

For UC (1 trial, 60 patients): no difference in remission (RR 1.02) or response (RR 0.99).

Cannabinoid use in psychotic patients impacts inflammatory levels and their association with psychosis severity.

Gibson, Claire L · 2020

While PANSS psychosis scores were similar between groups, cannabinoid-positive patients showed a negative correlation between IL-6 levels and psychosis severity, meaning higher inflammation was associated with lower symptom scores.

Cannabis Use in Persons With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vulnerability to Substance Misuse.

Hansen, Tawnya M · 2020

IBD patients self-medicating with cannabis were more likely to use cannabis for coping (p=0.016), demonstrated higher impulsivity (p=0.004), and had more depressive symptoms (p=0.012) compared to recreational users.

An overview of cannabis based treatment in Crohn's disease.

Naftali, Timna · 2020

Among the three existing placebo-controlled trials in active Crohn disease (93 subjects total), two showed significant clinical improvement (reduced CDAI scores) but no improvement in inflammatory markers.

Cannabinoid-sensitive receptors in cardiac physiology and ischaemia.

Puhl, Sarah-Lena · 2020

Both CB1 and CB2 receptors and their endogenous ligands (anandamide and 2-AG) are upregulated in the ischemic heart.

Targeting Cannabinoid Receptor 2 on Peripheral Leukocytes to Attenuate Inflammatory Mechanisms Implicated in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder.

Rizzo, Michael D · 2020

HIV patients using medical marijuana had lower levels of circulating CD16+ (activated) monocytes compared to non-cannabis users.

Cannabis Use Is Associated With Increased Levels of Soluble gp130 in Schizophrenia but Not in Bipolar Disorder.

Szabo, Attila · 2020

Screening 13 plasma inflammatory markers, cannabis users in the schizophrenia group had significantly elevated soluble gp130 (sgp130) compared to non-users (p=0.002, surviving multiple testing correction).

Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and the Endocannabinoid System-Is there Therapeutic Potential for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Ambrose, Tim · 2019

In animal models, both exogenous cannabinoids and modulation of the endocannabinoid system consistently improved colitis.

In-hospital outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease in cannabis users: a nationwide propensity-matched analysis in the United States.

Desai, Rupak · 2019

In Crohn's disease, cannabis users had lower rates of colorectal cancer (0.3% vs 1.2%), parenteral nutrition need, and anemia, but higher rates of fistulizing disease and lower GI hemorrhage.

Position Statement: A Pragmatic Approach for Medical Cannabis and Patients with Rheumatic Diseases.

Fitzcharles, Mary-Ann · 2019

No clinical trials of medical cannabis in rheumatology patients existed at the time of review.

Cannabinoid Attenuation of Intestinal Inflammation in Chronic SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques Involves T Cell Modulation and Differential Expression of Micro-RNAs and Pro-inflammatory Genes.

Kumar, Vinay · 2019

THC-treated SIV-infected macaques showed downregulated pro-inflammatory microRNAs and genes, higher expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-3), reduced T cell activation, increased anti-inflammatory macrophages, and complete prevention of lymph node fibrosis seen in all vehicle-treated animals..

Insights into the role of cannabis in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Picardo, Sherman · 2019

In animal models, cannabinoids improved intestinal inflammation through the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabis and Turmeric as Complementary Treatments for IBD and Other Digestive Diseases.

Quezada, Sandra M · 2019

Cannabinoids modulate gut motility and visceral pain and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cannabinoids in the treatment of rheumatic diseases: Pros and cons.

Sarzi-Puttini, Piercarlo · 2019

Cannabinoids may help rheumatic diseases through anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory activity and pain management.

The Role of Cannabis in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of Clinical, Scientific, and Regulatory Information.

Swaminath, Arun · 2019

Preclinical data demonstrate cannabinoid anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and pain-limiting properties.

The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation in multiple sclerosis: Clues for other neuroinflammatory diseases.

Chiurchiù, Valerio · 2018

This extensive review examined both clinical and preclinical evidence for cannabinoid-based interventions in MS.

Cannabinoids for the treatment of rheumatic diseases - where do we stand?

Katz-Talmor, Daphna · 2018

Researchers reviewed the available evidence on cannabinoids for rheumatic diseases. Preliminary clinical trials have explored cannabis effects on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Profiles of Patients Who Use Marijuana for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Kerlin, Ann Marie · 2018

Researchers surveyed 2,357 inflammatory bowel disease patients living in states where marijuana was legal, with 1,666 (71%) completing the survey. Only 214 patients (12.8%) had asked their doctor about marijuana use, and just 73 (4.4%) used prescription marijuana. Among 234 patients living where both medical and recreational marijuana was legal, 49 (20.9%) reported using recreational marijuana specifically for IBD. Marijuana users reported high perceived benefits (80.7%).

Heavy Cannabis Use Associated With Reduction in Activated and Inflammatory Immune Cell Frequencies in Antiretroviral Therapy-Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals.

Manuzak, Jennifer A · 2018

Researchers measured immune cell activation in 198 HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy, categorized by cannabis use level based on plasma THC metabolite concentration. Heavy cannabis users had significantly decreased frequencies of activated (HLA-DR+CD38+) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared to non-users. Heavy users also had decreased frequencies of intermediate and nonclassical monocyte subsets (inflammatory monocyte types). Additionally, heavy cannabis users had reduced frequencies of antigen-presenting cells producing interleukin-23 and TNF-α, two pro-inflammatory cytokines. The authors noted that while clinical implications are unclear, these findings suggest cannabis use is associated with a "potentially beneficial reduction in systemic inflammation and immune activation" in the context of treated HIV..

HIV-infected cannabis users have lower circulating CD16+ monocytes and IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 levels compared with nonusing HIV patients.

Rizzo, Michael D · 2018

HIV+ cannabis users had lower circulating CD16+ monocytes and plasma IP-10 (both implicated in HIV-associated neuroinflammation) compared to HIV+ non-users.

Cannabinoid pharmacology and therapy in gut disorders.

Uranga, J A · 2018

The GI tract expresses endocannabinoids, their receptors, and metabolizing enzymes.

Toll-like receptor signalling as a cannabinoid target in Multiple Sclerosis.

Fitzpatrick, John-Mark K · 2017

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are immune sensors that trigger inflammatory responses and play a pivotal role in the development of MS (as shown in animal models).

Role of cannabis in digestive disorders.

Goyal, Hemant · 2017

The endocannabinoid system performs protective activities throughout the gastrointestinal tract and modulates gut inflammation, motility, secretion, and pain perception.

Cannabinoids for treating inflammatory bowel diseases: where are we and where do we go?

Hasenoehrl, Carina · 2017

Fifty years after THC was identified, this expert review assessed the clinical translation of cannabinoids for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Surveys and small clinical studies confirmed that IBD patients frequently use cannabis to manage diarrhea, abdominal pain, and appetite loss.

Immunoregulatory Role of Cannabinoids during Infectious Disease.

Hernández-Cervantes, Rosalía · 2017

This review examined the complex relationship between the endocannabinoid system, cannabis use, and infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The overall pattern is that recreational or medicinal cannabis use tends to increase susceptibility to infections because of its impact on immune modulation.

Cannabis and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Change Blossoms a Mile High.

Hoffenberg, Edward J · 2017

Writing from Colorado, one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, pediatric gastroenterologists described the practical reality of caring for children and adolescents with IBD in an environment of increasing cannabis awareness and acceptance. The review outlined the endocannabinoid system's role in gastrointestinal function, noting biological plausibility for both beneficial and harmful effects of cannabis in IBD.

Medical cannabis: Another piece in the mosaic of autoimmunity?

Katz, D · 2017

This review examined cannabis and its active compounds as potential treatments for autoimmune diseases, conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The evidence supports cannabinoids as immune-modulating agents that affect T-cells, B-cells, monocytes, and microglia cells.

No significant effect of cannabis use on the count and percentage of circulating CD4 T-cells in HIV-HCV co-infected patients (ANRS CO13-HEPAVIH French cohort).

Marcellin, Fabienne · 2017

This large longitudinal study examined whether cannabis use affects the most important immune marker in HIV management, the CD4 T-cell count, in patients co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis C. Among 955 patients followed over multiple visits (2,386 total visits), cannabis use was remarkably common: 48% reported use in the preceding four weeks.

Low-Dose Cannabidiol Is Safe but Not Effective in the Treatment for Crohn's Disease, a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Naftali, Timna · 2017

This randomized, placebo-controlled trial tested oral CBD (10 mg twice daily) in 20 patients with moderately active Crohn's disease who had not responded to standard treatments. After 8 weeks of treatment, both the CBD and placebo groups showed similar improvements in disease activity (CDAI decreased from 337 to 220 in CBD group vs.

Systematic review: interventions for abdominal pain management in inflammatory bowel disease.

Norton, C · 2017

This systematic review searched for interventions specifically targeting abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease, finding a surprisingly sparse evidence base. Only 15 papers met inclusion criteria.

Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: "High"-ly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges.

Oláh, Attila · 2017

This review summarized how the endocannabinoid system influences the immune system at multiple levels. Cannabinoids affect nearly every type of immune cell: T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, and others.

Drug-Herb Interactions in the Elderly Patient with IBD: a Growing Concern.

Rahman, Haider · 2017

Nearly half of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have used complementary and alternative medicine at some point, and elderly IBD patients face particular risks because they often take multiple medications for comorbid conditions. The review covers over 20 herbs commonly used by IBD patients, including cannabis, and details their potential interactions with standard IBD drugs like immunomodulators, biologics, and corticosteroids.

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Ahmed, Waseem · 2016

This review examined the evidence for cannabis as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), covering endocannabinoid system science, animal models, epidemiological data, and human studies. Animal research showed that modulating the endocannabinoid system had therapeutic effects in mouse colitis models.

Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabinoids in chronic pain associated with rheumatic diseases (fibromyalgia syndrome, back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis): A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Fitzcharles, M-A · 2016

The researchers systematically searched for randomized controlled trials of cannabinoid products in fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, chronic spinal pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Cannabinoid Treatments in the Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Fitzcharles, Mary-Ann · 2016

This review identified the same thin evidence base for cannabinoids in rheumatic diseases: four short studies totaling only 203 patients across rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Cannabinoids had a statistically significant effect on pain in two of the studies and on sleep in two studies.

Chronic Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol Administration Reduces IgE(+)B Cells but Unlikely Enhances Pathogenic SIVmac251 Infection in Male Rhesus Macaques of Chinese Origin.

Wei, Qiang · 2016

Sixteen male Chinese-origin rhesus macaques were divided into four groups and treated with daily THC or placebo for 428 days.

Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Zurier, Robert B · 2016

The review surveyed anti-inflammatory actions across several cannabinoid categories.

Turning Over a New Leaf: Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Modulation of Immune Function.

Cabral, Guy A · 2015

This review examined how cannabinoid signaling interacts with the brain's immune system.

Cannabinoid Signaling and Neuroinflammatory Diseases: A Melting pot for the Regulation of Brain Immune Responses.

Chiurchiù, Valerio · 2015

This review examined how cannabinoid signaling regulates the brain's immune responses, challenging the outdated view that the brain is immunologically isolated.

Alcohol Versus Cannabinoids: A Review of Their Opposite Neuro-Immunomodulatory Effects and Future Therapeutic Potentials.

Nair, Madhavan P · 2015

This review compared the immunomodulatory effects of alcohol and cannabinoids, finding that they produce largely opposite effects on the immune system. Alcohol promotes inflammation by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and disrupting immune cell function, contributing to organ damage in chronic drinkers.

Endocannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Pryce, Gareth · 2015

This review examined the role of the endocannabinoid system in multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two neurodegenerative conditions sharing the symptom of spasticity. Anecdotal reports of cannabis relieving MS symptoms were confirmed by animal models and clinical trials, leading to the approval of medicinal cannabis (nabiximols) for MS spasticity.

"Disease modifying nutricals" for multiple sclerosis.

Schmitz, Katja · 2015

This extensive review examined nutritional and natural compounds as potential disease-modifying agents for multiple sclerosis.

Review article: the endocannabinoid system in liver disease, a potential therapeutic target.

Basu, P P · 2014

This review documented the endocannabinoid system's extensive involvement in liver disease.

Cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease.

Naftali, Timna · 2014

The authors report on their own clinical research program alongside a broader literature review.

Marijuana: respiratory tract effects.

Owen, Kelly P · 2014

The review found that marijuana smoke produces respiratory symptoms similar to tobacco: increased cough, sputum production, hyperinflation, and upper lobe emphysematous changes.

Cannabis use provides symptom relief in patients with inflammatory bowel disease but is associated with worse disease prognosis in patients with Crohn's disease.

Storr, Martin · 2014

Of 313 IBD patients surveyed, 17.6% had used cannabis specifically to treat their IBD symptoms, primarily through inhalation (96.4%).

Immune system: a possible nexus between cannabinoids and psychosis.

Suárez-Pinilla, Paula · 2014

The review identified a clear dichotomy: endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body) generally enhanced immune responses, while exogenous cannabinoids (from cannabis) had immunosuppressant effects.

Anti-inflammatory activity of topical THC in DNFB-mediated mouse allergic contact dermatitis independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Gaffal, E · 2013

Researchers applied THC topically to mice with allergic contact dermatitis (ear swelling model).

Repeated low-dose administration of the monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 retains cannabinoid receptor type 1-mediated antinociceptive and gastroprotective effects.

Kinsey, Steven G · 2013

The MAGL inhibitor JZL184 blocks the enzyme that breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG, boosting natural cannabinoid signaling.

Cannabinoids decrease the th17 inflammatory autoimmune phenotype.

Kozela, Ewa · 2013

Researchers studied immune cells that cause experimental autoimmune encephalitis (a model of multiple sclerosis) in mice.

Control of experimental spasticity by targeting the degradation of endocannabinoids using selective fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors.

Pryce, G · 2013

Mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, a model of MS) developed spasticity that was treated with three different FAAH inhibitors (CAY100400, CAY100402, URB597).

Marijuana use patterns among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Ravikoff Allegretti, Jessica · 2013

A survey of 292 IBD patients at an academic medical center (94% response rate) found that 12.3% were active marijuana users, 39.0% were past users, and 48.6% had never used.

Immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention in multiple sclerosis patients.

Rezapour-Firouzi, Soheila · 2013

One hundred relapsing-remitting MS patients were randomized to three groups: Group A received hemp seed + evening primrose oils with a "hot-nature" dietary intervention, Group B received olive oil, and Group C received the oils without the diet.

Genetic background can result in a marked or minimal effect of gene knockout (GPR55 and CB2 receptor) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models of multiple sclerosis.

Sisay, Sofia · 2013

CB2 receptor knockout mice on a C57BL/6 background developed more severe EAE (MS model), consistent with prior reports.

Cannabinoids and innate immunity: taking a toll on neuroinflammation.

Downer, Eric J · 2011

The review connected two important biological systems: the cannabinoid system and the Toll-like receptor (TLR) system, which mediates innate immunity in the brain. TLRs are pattern recognition receptors that detect threats and trigger inflammatory responses.

Immunoactive effects of cannabinoids: considerations for the therapeutic use of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists.

Greineisen, William E · 2010

This review examined the immunological effects of cannabinoids in the context of their clinical applications. Both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids were shown to be "potently immunoactive." The review argued that these immune effects are not incidental side effects but are highly relevant to the conditions for which cannabinoid therapeutics are prescribed. For cannabinoid receptor agonists (used for pain, nausea, appetite, spasticity), immunosuppressive effects could be beneficial in inflammatory conditions but harmful in infections or cancer. For CB1 receptor antagonists (developed for obesity), immune activation could either help or harm depending on the patient's immune status. The central argument was that immunological effects should be considered with each prescribing decision, not treated as secondary concerns..

Cannabis-derived substances in cancer therapy--an emerging anti-inflammatory role for the cannabinoids.

Liu, Wai M · 2010

While previous cannabinoid-cancer research focused primarily on direct anti-tumor effects (inducing cancer cell death through disrupting signaling pathways like ERK and PI3-K), this review highlighted a newer perspective: cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory agents in cancer. Chronic inflammation has long been associated with cancer development and progression.

Cannabinoid-induced apoptosis in immune cells as a pathway to immunosuppression.

Rieder, Sadiye Amcaoglu · 2010

The review catalogued how cannabinoids mediate immunosuppression through four broad mechanisms: 1.

Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and related analogs in inflammation.

Burstein, Sumner H · 2009

This review examined five years of research on the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids across several categories: plant-derived cannabinoids (THC, CBD), synthetic analogs (ajulemic acid, nabilone), endocannabinoids (anandamide and related compounds), and non-cannabinoid cannabis components. All classes demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity.

Cannabidiol: a promising drug for neurodegenerative disorders?

Iuvone, Teresa · 2009

This review examined the evidence for CBD as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, which involve progressive neuron loss and are among the leading causes of death in industrialized countries. Inflammation was identified as a common factor across diverse neurodegenerative conditions, contributing to the progressive nature of neurodegeneration. Preclinical evidence showed CBD has both neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

The endocannabinoid system and multiple sclerosis.

Baker, David · 2008

This review examined the dual potential of the endocannabinoid system in MS: symptom management and disease modification. For symptom relief, the evidence showed that spasticity is tonically (continuously) regulated by the endocannabinoid system, and clinical trials suggested cannabis can relieve pain, spasms, and spasticity.

Cannabidiol, extracted from Cannabis sativa, selectively inhibits inflammatory hypermotility in mice.

Capasso, R · 2008

Researchers tested CBD's effects on both normal and inflamed mouse intestines.

Direct suppression of autoreactive lymphocytes in the central nervous system via the CB2 receptor.

Dittel, B N · 2008

This review focused on the CB2 cannabinoid receptor's role in controlling autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system. While THC activates both CB1 (mainly brain) and CB2 (mainly immune system) receptors, the generation of mice lacking specific cannabinoid receptors has allowed researchers to separate these functions.

The profile of immune modulation by cannabidiol (CBD) involves deregulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT).

Kaplan, Barbara L F · 2008

Building on previous findings that CBD suppresses IL-2 production, researchers investigated the mechanism and found CBD has broad immunosuppressive effects on T cells. CBD suppressed production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma (key immune signaling molecules), inhibited T cell proliferation, reduced surface expression of the activation marker CD25, and suppressed antibody production in response to a standard immune challenge. The mechanism involved suppression of two critical transcription factors: AP-1 and NFAT, which are essential regulators of T cell activation and cytokine production. Critically, these immunosuppressive effects persisted in splenocytes from mice completely lacking both CB1 and CB2 receptors, proving CBD's immune effects operate through an entirely different pathway than traditional cannabinoid signaling.

Cannabinoid control of neuroinflammation related to multiple sclerosis.

Baker, D · 2007

This review from the British Journal of Pharmacology examined whether cannabinoids can modify the neuroinflammatory process driving MS, beyond just controlling symptoms. Experimental studies revealed two mechanisms: synthetic cannabinoids can indirectly suppress the immune response through CB1 receptor signaling in nerve centers that control systemic immunosuppression, and can directly inhibit lymphocyte and macrophage/microglial function through CB2 receptors. However, the review concluded that these immunosuppressive effects, which could reduce relapsing attack frequency, would probably not be achieved clinically through medical cannabis use due to dose constraints: the doses needed for immunosuppression would likely cause unacceptable psychoactive effects. A more promising avenue was cannabinoid modulation of the glial response within damaged CNS tissue, which could slow the progressive neurodegeneration accounting for disability accumulation in MS..

Combined immunomodulating properties of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cannabis in humans.

Pacifici, Roberta · 2007

Researchers followed three groups over one year with assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months: 37 people who used both MDMA and cannabis, 23 cannabis-only users, and 34 non-using controls. The MDMA-cannabis group showed significantly decreased IL-2 (a pro-immune cytokine) and increased TGF-beta1 (an anti-inflammatory marker), along with reduced total lymphocytes, CD4 cells, and natural killer cells.

Cannabinoid-induced immune suppression and modulation of antigen-presenting cells.

Klein, Thomas W · 2006

This review examined how the endocannabinoid system, originally discovered through neuroscience research, also regulates immune function.

The cannabinergic system as a target for anti-inflammatory therapies.

Lu, Dai · 2006

This review examined how modulating the endocannabinoid system affects immune function.

Cannabinoids.

Grotenhermen, Franjo · 2005

This comprehensive review covered 15 years of research since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system.

Medical marijuana: emerging applications for the management of neurologic disorders.

Carter, Gregory T · 2004

Cannabis contains over 60 different cannabinoids with capacity for neuromodulation through direct, receptor-based mechanisms at many levels within the nervous system.

Mechanisms for impaired effector function in alveolar macrophages from marijuana and cocaine smokers.

Roth, Michael D · 2004

Alveolar macrophages (lung immune cells) from marijuana smokers showed limited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus compared to nonsmokers and tobacco smokers.

Microbial infections, immunomodulation, and drugs of abuse.

Friedman, Herman · 2003

The review described how multiple drugs of abuse, including marijuana, modulated the immune system.

Cannabinoids inhibit neurodegeneration in models of multiple sclerosis.

Pryce, Gareth · 2003

Using experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, researchers demonstrated that the cannabinoid system was neuroprotective.

The cannabinoids: an overview. Therapeutic implications in vomiting and nausea after cancer chemotherapy, in appetite promotion, in multiple sclerosis and in neuroprotection.

Mechoulam, R · 2001

The review traced cannabinoid science from historical use in Assyria and China through to the identification of CB1 and CB2 receptors and the discovery of endogenous cannabinoids.

Drugs and immunity: cannabinoids and their role in decreased resistance to infectious disease.

Cabral, G A · 1998

This review synthesized the evidence on THC and immune function, finding consistent immunosuppressive effects across multiple experimental models. THC decreased host resistance to bacterial, protozoan, and viral infections in lab and animal studies.

Marijuana, immunity and infection.

Klein, T W · 1998

This review synthesized 25 years of research across three major areas of cannabinoid immunology. First, cannabinoids affected the function of all major immune cell types: T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages.

Investigating the effects of cannabinoids for the reduction of inflammation and sickle cell disease pain (CRISP); A protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Bellis, Jordan · 2026

Protocol for an 8-week RCT of dronabinol for chronic SCD pain, with dual endpoints of pain reduction and inflammatory biomarker changes, positioned as an opioid alternative investigation..

A comparative study on phytochemical analysis and biological properties of three varieties of cannabis sativa L. seeds.

El-Mernissi, Rafik · 2026

Researchers compared the chemical composition and biological activity of three Moroccan Cannabis sativa seed varieties: Cric, Khard, and Beldiya.

Effects of Chronic Cannabis Smoke Exposure on Inflammatory Markers in Periphery and Brain in Young and Aged Mice.

Gazarov, Emely A · 2026

Aging caused significant increases in hippocampal cytokines.

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol supplementation in mitigating lipid precursors of inflammation in hepatic steatosis progression.

Konstantynowicz-Nowicka, Karolina · 2026

CBD decreased pro-inflammatory n-6 PUFA pathway activity while increasing anti-inflammatory n-3 PUFA pathway activity in liver tissue.

Differential Regulatory Effects of Cannabinoids and Vitamin E Analogs on Cellular Lipid Homeostasis and Inflammation in Human Macrophages.

Li, Mengrui · 2026

THC increased CD36/FAT expression (promoting lipid uptake), reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory signaling via CB1-mediated NFκB activation.

The dual roles of natural cannabidiol in combating oxidative stress and inflammation: A potential intestinal guardian.

Lv, Biguang · 2026

This review synthesized evidence on CBD's protective mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract, focusing on its redox-related (antioxidant) and anti-inflammatory effects. CBD appears to work through several converging pathways.

CYP4X1/sEH-Dependent Endocannabinoid Metabolism Drives Fibroblast-Mediated Immunosuppression to Limit Immunotherapy in Colon Cancer.

Mo, Min · 2026

CYP4X1 and sEH enzymes metabolize endocannabinoids to produce 14,15-EET-EA, which acts on GPR119 receptors in cancer-associated fibroblasts.

Cannabinoid Signaling and Autophagy in Oral Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications.

Munkhsaikhan, Undral · 2026

Cannabinoids acting through CB1 and CB2 receptors modulate autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR, activating AMPK and Beclin-1, and promoting ROS-induced autophagy.

Unraveling Endocannabinoid Signaling Pathways in Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity.

Palaniappan, Sakthimala · 2026

Cisplatin treatment downregulated CB2 receptors and disrupted the 2-AG metabolic pathway in auditory hair cells.

Therapeutic use of cannabinoids in age-related pain: Current evidence and clinical perspectives.

Pulone, Sabina · 2026

This review explored the intersection of aging, chronic pain, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), building a case for why cannabinoids might be particularly relevant for older adults. The key biological insight is that aging involves a process called "inflammaging" — chronic low-grade inflammation driven by immune system changes (immunosenescence).

Could cannabigerol protect against neuroinflammation? Insights from an in vitro microglial study.

Santos, Júlia Maiara Dos · 2026

CBG at 100 microM reduced cell viability by ~80%, increased nitric oxide ~400% and reactive oxygen species ~900%.

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol-rich Cannabis sativa to mitigate the severity of inflammation and pain: A pre-clinical study.

Singh, Munmun Kumar · 2026

The CBD-rich cannabis extract (CSFE) significantly reduced TNF-alpha and IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated macrophages at 3, 10, and 30 mcg/ml without cytotoxicity.

The role of the endocannabinoid system in the interplay of adverse childhood experiences and interleukin 6 in individuals with borderline personality disorder.

Spohrs, Jennifer · 2026

People with BPD had higher IL-6 levels than healthy controls.

Phytocannabinoids as anti-inflammatory agents: Synergistic effects when combined with Cannabis sativa L. matrices.

Strnad, Ondřej · 2026

All ten tested non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.

Differential Expression of Endocannabinoid Receptors in Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin of Psoriasis Patients: Insights Into Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets.

Turk, Jaime N · 2026

In psoriatic lesional skin, CB2 (CNR2), TRPA1, TRPV3, PPARD, GPR18, and several serotonin receptors were significantly upregulated, while PPARG, TRPV4, PPARA, and GPR12 were significantly downregulated compared to healthy controls.

Repeated administration of cannabidiol decreases splenic lymphocyte subset numbers in rats.

Turkki, Tara H · 2026

CBD at 5 mg/kg/day for 14 days decreased splenic T cells and non-T/NK CD45RA+ lymphocytes but not NK cells.

Effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on offspring mental health: A focus on the role of the immune system.

Vecchiarelli, Haley A · 2026

In both human and rodent studies using vaporized exposure, cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the placenta.

Cannabidiol as a Prophylactic Agent Against Glioblastoma Growth: A Preclinical Investigation.

Wang, Lei P · 2026

Fourteen days of inhaled CBD pretreatment before tumor implantation significantly reduced glioblastoma burden compared to both placebo and 3-day CBD groups.

Cannflavin B ameliorates behavioural and neuronal systems alterations in adolescent rats exposed to prenatal valproic acid.

Williams, Olivia O F · 2026

Cannflavin B (0.2 mg/kg) was well tolerated and ameliorated most VPA-induced changes.

Cannabidiol attenuates the LPS/D-Galactosamine-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting parkin-mediated ubiquitination of MFN2.

Zhan, Zhikun · 2026

CBD at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg mitigated LPS/D-GalN-induced liver damage, suppressed inflammatory cytokines, reduced hepatocyte death, and inhibited oxidative stress.

Cannabidiol Alleviates LPS-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors Via Improving Mitochondria Function.

Zhao, Junning · 2026

Researchers induced depression-like behaviors in mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial toxin that triggers neuroinflammation.

A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Assess Feasibility and Tolerability of Topical Cannabis Balms for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS).

Zylla, Dylan · 2026

86% of participants reported improvement in hand-related symptoms from baseline to week 2.

Cannabis vaping elicits transcriptomic and metabolomic changes involved in inflammatory, oxidative stress, and cancer pathways in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Arlen, Maddison T · 2025

The shift from smoking to vaping cannabis is driven largely by the belief that vaping is safer.

High CBD extract (CBD-X) modulates inflammation and immune cell activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Aswad, Miran · 2025

This study takes the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cannabis research a significant step forward from RTHC-00097 (CBG in RA cells) by testing a high-CBD extract not just in isolated human cells but also in two animal models of the disease. The ex vivo experiments showed that CBD-X inhibited the secretion of key inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β from macrophages and IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α from human neutrophils — all central players in RA joint destruction.

Protective Role of CBD Against Nicotine Pouch-Induced Seizure Aggravation and Alterations in Brain Glymphatic Biomarkers.

Bhandari, Bidhan · 2025

Seven days of nicotine pouch exposure significantly worsened seizure severity, raised brain inflammation markers (IL-6, HMGB1), and impaired the brain's waste-clearance system in mice.

Molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease onset in a mouse model: effects of cannabidiol treatment.

Bishara, Mary A · 2025

RNA sequencing identified over 1,000 differentially expressed markers of Alzheimer's disease onset in mice.

Cannabidiol regulates apoptosis and glial cells homeostasis in the prefrontal cortex of offspring from obese rat mothers.

Bitencourt, Yasmin Meireles · 2025

Adult offspring of rats fed an obesity-inducing diet showed elevated levels of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD in the prefrontal cortex, which CBD treatment (50 mg/kg for 3 weeks) mitigated.

Immunomodulatory Effects of a High-CBD Cannabis Extract: A Comparative Analysis with Conventional Therapies for Oral Lichen Planus and Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Blal, Kifah · 2025

The CBD-rich extract CAN296 reduced T cell activation markers (CD69) to 2-11% in CD4+ cells and 5-17% in CD8+ cells.

Multi-Modal Profiling Reveals Contrasting Immunomodulatory Effects of Recreational Marijuana Used Alone or with Tobacco in Youth with HIV.

Borkar, Samiksha A · 2025

Marijuana use alone was associated with elevated IL-10 levels and normalization of pro-inflammatory genes, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect.

Cannabidiol alleviates the inflammatory response in rats with traumatic brain injury through the PGE 2-EP2-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.

Cao, Yan · 2025

CBD significantly improved neurological deficit scores, reduced neuronal damage, and decreased blood-brain barrier permeability after TBI.

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in oral disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence.

de Abreu, Lukas Mendes · 2025

Across six RCTs and one non-randomized trial, topical and intraoral CBD reduced pain, muscle tension, gingival inflammation, bacterial load, and aphthous ulcer symptoms, with no serious adverse effects.

Crosstalk between M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and endocannabinoid system promotes attenuation of inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

de Aguiar Magalhães, Diva · 2025

When researchers administered CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonists before treating colitis-induced mice with McN-A-343 (a muscarinic receptor agonist), the drug's anti-inflammatory benefits were significantly reversed, with increased intestinal damage, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and NF-kB expression..

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system in chronic conditions: a potential therapeutic intervention yet to be explored in sickle cell disease.

de Oliveira Souza, Lucas Bibiano · 2025

The review compiles evidence that the endocannabinoid system is involved in pain modulation, inflammation, and vascular function, all of which are disrupted in sickle cell disease.

Full-spectrum Cannabis sativa extract enhances gut-peripheral organ integrity after experimental ischemic stroke.

de Souza Stork, Solange · 2025

Full-spectrum cannabis extract (15 or 30 mg/kg) given by gavage after middle cerebral artery occlusion improved neurological deficits, reduced intestinal permeability, lowered serum corticosterone, decreased immune cell counts, and protected against post-stroke oxidative stress and lung inflammation at 72 hours..

Effects of five cannabis oils with different CBD: THC ratios and terpenes on hypertension, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and CB1 receptor in an experimental model.

Degrave, Valentina · 2025

THC-rich oil and CBD:THC 1:1 and 2:1 ratio oils showed the greatest benefits against hepatic steatosis and liver damage.

Cannabidiol/tetrahydrocannabinol-enrich extract decreases neuroinflammation and improves locomotor outcome following spinal cord injury.

Del Core, Julián · 2025

After acute spinal cord injury, the cannabis extract increased anti-inflammatory (arginase-1 positive) microglial cells at the injury site, decreased pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrocytes, downregulated inflammatory genes (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, C3), and upregulated anti-inflammatory markers (ARG-1, MRC).

Contrasting cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R)-mediated responses in two different models of Blood Brain Barrier in the context of HIV.

Delorme-Walker, Violaine · 2025

Both endothelial cell lines responded similarly to HIV-conditioned media (increased permeability, decreased tight junction proteins).

Cannabinol modulates the endocannabinoid system and shows TRPV1-mediated anti-inflammatory properties in human keratinocytes.

Di Meo, Camilla · 2025

CBN increased CB1 gene expression and TRPV1 protein expression and function in keratinocytes.

Rethinking Alzheimer's: Harnessing Cannabidiol to Modulate IDO and cGAS Pathways for Neuroinflammation Control.

Emami Naeini, Sahar · 2025

CBD treatment reduced both IDO and cGAS expression in the brains of 5XFAD Alzheimer's mice, with corresponding decreases in TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma.

Combined CB1 antagonist AM6545 and NOP agonist SCH221510 worsen DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Fabisiak, Adam · 2025

Mice with DSS-induced colitis treated with both AM6545 and SCH221510 showed significantly worse macroscopic disease scores and altered signaling compared to SCH221510 alone..

Ablation of hypothalamic Cnr1 leads to reduced meniscal mineral volume and articular cartilage damage in aging male mice.

Farhat, Eli · 2025

Hypothalamus-specific CB1 knockout mice showed reduced frailty at 17 months, less meniscal mineral volume loss, fewer blood vessels in the meniscus, and less cartilage damage.

Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Fibromyalgia.

García-Domínguez, Mario · 2025

The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in pain perception, mood regulation, and inflammation, and variations in endocannabinoid levels and receptor activity in fibromyalgia patients may contribute to clinical symptoms..

Orally Administered CBD/CBG Hemp Extract Reduces Severity of Ulcerative Colitis and Pain in a Murine Model.

Godbole, Shivani S · 2025

Cannabinoid treatment reduced damage to the colonic epithelium and decreased pain-related responses in DSS-induced colitis mice.

The Endocannabinoid System Drives Eosinophil Infiltration During Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Gruden, Eva · 2025

In esophageal biopsies from patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), the enzyme that breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG (monoacylglycerol lipase, MGL) was decreased, leading to elevated 2-AG levels.

Inflammatory bowel disease patients believe cannabis and cannabidiol oil relieve symptoms.

Lala, Ayati · 2025

53.8% of IBD patients used cannabis (vs.

Cannabidiol Lipid Nanoparticles Stabilize Gut-Brain-Bone Axis Integrity and Enhance Neuroplasticity in Stressed Rats: A Comparison with Atomoxetine and Escitalopram.

Lapmanee, Sarawut · 2025

Stressed rats showed 2.03-fold increase in IL-6, 1.89-fold TNF-alpha, decreased BDNF and osteocalcin, and disrupted gut metabolites (SCFAs dropped from 155.3 to 94.83 umol/L).

Inflammatory state moderates response to cannabis on negative affect and sleep quality in individuals with anxiety.

Lisano, Jonathon K · 2025

While cannabis use did not change cytokine concentrations over four weeks, baseline inflammation moderated outcomes.

Cannabis use in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease is Associated With Longer Endoscopic Duration and Endoscopic Inflammation.

Loeb, Lauren · 2025

IBD patients who used cannabis had significantly longer endoscopy durations (p<0.001) and were more likely to have endoscopic inflammation (p=0.044) than matched non-users.

Cannabidiol Is Associated with Improved Survival in Pancreatic Cancer and Modulation of Bile Acids and Gut Microbiota.

Malhotra, Pratibha · 2025

Only CBD alone improved survival in KPC mice (a genetic model that mimics human pancreatic cancer).

COMT Genetic Variants and BDNF Level Associations with Cannabinoid Plasma Exposure: A Preliminary Study.

Manca, Alessandra · 2025

The COMT 680 T>C genetic variant significantly influenced plasma levels of THC (p = 0.017).

Efficacy of non-psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. standardized extracts in a model of intestinal inflammation.

Maranta, Nicole · 2025

Cannabis extracts standardized for CBD and CBG content inhibited pro-inflammatory chemokines (CXCL-9, CXCL-10, CCL-20) in inflammation-stimulated intestinal cells.

Cannabinoid Receptors Reduced Early Brain Damage by Regulating NOX-2 and the NLRP3 Inflammasome in an Animal Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Martínez-Torres, Ari Misael · 2025

WIN55,212-2 treatment after intracerebral hemorrhage significantly reduced hematoma formation, brain edema, blood-brain barrier disruption, and motor impairments.

An open-label phase I comparator-controlled clinical trial to assess tolerability and pharmacokinetics of IHL-675 A a fixed dose combination of cannabidiol plus hydroxychloroquine in healthy volunteers.

Mbogo, George Williams · 2025

IHL-675A was generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-dysmenorrheal activities of aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. from the sub-middle region of the Vale do São Francisco.

Menezes, Pedro Modesto Nascimento · 2025

An ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa aerial parts demonstrated antinociceptive effects in multiple pain models (hot plate, formalin, writhing tests), anti-inflammatory activity in paw edema, and reduced uterine contractions in a dysmenorrhea model, all at doses of 1-10 mg/kg..

Exploring therapeutic potential of Cannabis based therapy in autoimmune and rheumatic disorders.

Michaeli, Inbar · 2025

Cannabis-based treatments show potential benefits across various autoimmune and rheumatic conditions, but in many cases the supporting evidence is insufficient.

The synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 attenuates cognitive and motor deficits and reduces amyloid load in 5XFAD Alzheimer mice.

Möller, Johanna E L · 2025

Aged 5XFAD Alzheimer's mice treated with WIN 55,212-2 for 42 days showed improved rotarod motor performance, rescued water maze memory deficits, and reduced amyloid plaque burden and astrogliosis in the cortex and hippocampus compared to vehicle-treated controls..

Cannabidiol and low-dose γ-radiation regulate alterations consequences of hepatic-encephalopathy induced by thioacetamide: neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory role.

Mostafa, Dalia M · 2025

CBD (20 mg/kg for 7 days) significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with liver damage-induced brain dysfunction.

Cannabidiol as an immune modulator: A comprehensive review.

Mujahid, Khizra · 2025

This comprehensive review maps how CBD interacts with the immune system, and the picture is remarkably broad.

The impact of cannabis use on ageing and longevity: a systematic review of research insights.

Nain, Sonam · 2025

Eleven preclinical studies showed promising results for cannabinoids in aging, including improved lifespan, cognitive function, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and enhanced social interaction.

Association of Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Q63R Variant With Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Iranian Cohort.

Nateghi, Ali · 2025

Logistic regression revealed significant associations between the Q63R polymorphism in the CNR2 gene and rheumatoid arthritis under codominant, dominant, and additive inheritance models.

Long-term cannabinoid therapy can ameliorate chronic sleep deprivation-induced behavioral and neuroinflammatory changes in mice.

Niazi, Nasar Ullah Khan · 2025

Chronic sleep deprivation caused memory impairment, depression-like behavior, microglial activation, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice.

Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system - a key factor in the progression of multiple sclerosis?

Paraschiv, Andreea-Cristina · 2025

Newly diagnosed MS patients in acute relapse showed a non-significant trend toward lower plasma anandamide (AEA) compared to healthy controls (mean difference -5.95 ng/ml, p=0.098).

Epilepsy, neuroinflammation and cannabidiol What do we know thus far?

Pesántez Ríos, Gabriela · 2025

One of the challenges in understanding CBD's anti-seizure action is that it doesn't work through a single, clean mechanism the way most drugs do.

A chronic low dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (3 mg / kg / 21 d) reorganizes the disturbed wound healing process and accelerates wound closure in old female mice.

Plum, Melissa · 2025

Old female mice receiving daily low-dose THC (3 mg/kg) for three weeks before skin wounding showed improved wound healing rates between days 1 and 7.

Cannabis use, microbial diversity and Dialister abundance in older adults with HIV: A cross-sectional study.

Porchia, Donald D · 2025

Among 63 older adults with HIV (mean age 59.4), higher cannabis consumption was significantly associated with reduced gut microbial alpha diversity (beta = -0.062 per 50-mg THC per use-day, p = 0.038).

Supplementing HIV-ART with cannabinoids increases serotonin, BHB, and Ahr signaling while reducing secondary bile acids and acylcholines.

Premadasa, Lakmini S · 2025

In SIV-infected rhesus macaques on ART, long-term low-dose THC significantly increased plasma and gut serotonin and indole-3-propionate (enhancing gut-brain communication), enriched cholesterol-metabolizing bacteria (Oscillibacter), reduced plasma cholesterol and toxic secondary bile acids, increased beta-hydroxybutyrate (suggesting improved fatty acid metabolism), and restored inflammatory acylcholines to pre-infection levels.

Considering the Effects of Cannabinoids and Exercise on the Brain: A Narrative Review.

Rajaei, Amir Yahya · 2025

The review identified mechanistic overlaps between cannabinoid and exercise effects on brain function through three key pathways: inflammation (both can be anti-inflammatory), vascular function (both affect cerebral blood flow), and neuroplasticity (both modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor and synaptic plasticity).

Repeated Administration of a Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol Product, Not a Cannabidiol Isolate, Reverses the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior and Hypolocomotion in a Rat Model of Low-Grade Subchronic Inflammation.

Ribeiro de Novais Júnior, Linério · 2025

In rats with inflammation-induced depressive-like behavior (7 days of LPS), full-spectrum CBD extract at both 15 and 30 mg/kg reversed depressive behavior in the forced swim test, while CBD isolate at the same doses did not.

Cannabidiol reverses microglia activation and deficits of parvalbumin interneurons and their perineuronal nets in a MK-801-induced mouse model of schizophrenia.

Rodrigues da Silva, Naielly · 2025

Chronic MK-801 treatment (an NMDA receptor blocker) caused memory deficits and reduced gamma brain wave power in mice.

Combined Endocannabinoid and Cyclooxygenase Inhibition Additively Attenuates Post-Surgical Pain.

Rodriguez, Carl E B · 2025

MAGL inhibitors (JZL184 and MJN110) reduced mechanical pain sensitivity after hindpaw surgery in mice.

Cannabis Use Moderates Methamphetamine- and HIV-Related Inflammation: Evidence from Human Plasma Markers.

Rogers, Jeffrey M · 2025

Among 234 participants (86 with HIV, 148 without), past-month cannabis use was independently associated with lower CXCL10/IP-10 levels overall.

Cannabidiol Effects on Depressive-like Behavior and Neuroinflammation in Female Rats Exposed to High-Fat Diet and Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress.

Sabbag, Tal · 2025

Female rats exposed to both a high-fat diet (2 weeks) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (4 weeks) received CBD (10 mg/kg) during the final 2 weeks.

Efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety of liposomal synthetic cannabidiol injected subcutaneously in dogs: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial.

Shilo-Benjamini, Yael · 2025

Oral CBD has a fundamental problem: most of it gets destroyed by the liver before reaching the bloodstream (first-pass metabolism).

Cannabidiol as a therapeutic agent for rosacea through simultaneous inhibition of multiple inflammatory pathways.

Shrestha, Chandani · 2025

Both CBD and metronidazole significantly inhibited redness, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration in a rosacea-like mouse model.

Endocannabinoid system in periodontitis: A systematic review and in silico analyses.

Soares, Lélio Fernando Ferreira · 2025

CNR2 (CB2) gene expression was significantly reduced in periodontitis tissue.

Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for treating atopic dermatitis.

Stoco, Adriel Aparecido Geraldo · 2025

Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in skin to potentially address multiple aspects of atopic dermatitis: skin barrier repair, anti-inflammatory effects, and itch reduction.

Cannabidiol perturbs macrophage polarization by interfering with the metabolic flux and PI3K/Akt pathway.

Sukdee, Thadaphong · 2025

CBD inhibited IL-6 and nitric oxide production without affecting TNF-alpha in M1-polarized macrophages.

Opposing Synovial Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Expression in Painful Osteoarthritis.

Toups, Collin A · 2025

Dual modulation of CB2R (agonist) and TRPV1 (antagonist) produced greater analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects than either approach alone in a mouse osteoarthritis model.

Cannabis cigarette smoking disrupts mice multi-organ bioactive lipid metabolism and inflammation-resolution signaling in an obesogenic setting.

Upadhyay, Gunjan · 2025

Cannabis smoke weakened cardiac GLS.

THC reverses SIV-induced senescence in astrocytes: possible compensatory mechanism against HIV associated brain injury?

Van Zandt, Alison R · 2025

THC treatment protected astrocytes from SIV-induced senescence (premature cellular aging), promoted recovery from Tat protein-induced damage, enhanced neuroprotective cell morphology, and significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner..

Cannabis improves metabolic dysfunction and macrophage signatures in obese mice.

VanderVeen, Brandon N · 2025

Both high-CBD and high-THC cannabis significantly mitigated obesity-induced increases in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), while reducing proinflammatory M1-like macrophages in the liver..

Cannabis use is associated with alterations in NLRP3 inflammasome related gene expression in monocyte-derived macrophages from people living with HIV.

Walter, Kyle C · 2025

HIV-positive individuals' macrophages showed 83% higher NLRP3 inflammasome expression than HIV-negative controls.

Unraveling Cannabidiol's Dual Modulatory Role in Schizophrenia: Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Validation of Neuroinflammatory and Behavioral Modulation.

Wei, Ying · 2025

RTHC-00193 reviewed clinical evidence that CBD may have therapeutic potential for schizophrenia.

Transcriptomic changes in oxidative stress, immunity, and cancer pathways caused by cannabis vapor on alveolar epithelial cells.

Wilson, Emily T · 2025

Many people switch from smoking to vaping cannabis believing it's safer.

Extracellular Vesicles and Endocannabinoid Signaling in Patients with COVID-19.

Brandes, Florian · 2024

Except for anandamide, endocannabinoid concentrations (2-AG, SEA, PEA, OEA) were significantly higher in extracellular vesicles than in plasma, and these EV-endocannabinoid levels increased with COVID-19 severity.

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Blocks Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage Differentiation through Elimination of Reactive Oxygen Species.

Carter, Taylor H · 2024

THC blocked M-CSF-induced macrophage differentiation from bone marrow cells through a receptor-independent mechanism.

CB1 Receptor Activation Provides Neuroprotection in an Animal Model of Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity Through a Reduction of NOX-2 Activity and Oxidative Stress.

Martínez-Torres, Ari Misael · 2024

WIN55,212-2 reduced brain injury, improved motor activity, decreased ROS production, lowered neuroinflammation markers (TNF-alpha, NF-kB, Iba-1), and reduced edema in a glutamate excitotoxicity model.

Anandamide and WIN 55212-2 Afford Protection in Rat Brain Mitochondria in a Toxic Model Induced by 3-Nitropropionic Acid: an In Vitro Study.

Maya-López, Marisol · 2024

Both anandamide and WIN 55212-2 ameliorated 3-NP toxic effects on brain mitochondria.

Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed, Amal Hussain · 2024

Significant changes (p<0.001) were found in all leukocyte types including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Cannabis sativa extracts inhibit LDL oxidation and the formation of foam cells in vitro, acting as potential multi-step inhibitors of atherosclerosis development.

Musetti, Bruno · 2024

Three extracts (high, intermediate, low THC/CBD) all inhibited LDL oxidation and foam cell formation (ED50 5-12 ug/mL).

Unveiling the Potential of Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and the Dawn of Nano-Cannabinoid Medicine.

Nouh, Roua A · 2024

Cannabinoids demonstrate anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunosuppressive properties relevant to MS.

A narrative review of the therapeutic and remedial prospects of cannabidiol with emphasis on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Omotayo, Oluwadara Pelumi · 2024

CBD antagonizes pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulates oxidative stress, downregulates TNF-alpha, restores BDNF and serotonin across neurological disorders..

Cannabidiol exerts multitarget immunomodulatory effects on PBMCs from individuals with psoriasis vulgaris.

Pagano, Cristina · 2024

CBD shifted immune responses from Th1 to Th2, boosted NK cell cytotoxic activity, blocked monocyte migration in response to inflammatory stimuli, prevented full dendritic cell maturation, and promoted M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophage polarization in PBMCs from psoriasis patients..

Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in liver diseases.

Parfieniuk-Kowerda, Anna · 2024

CB1 receptor stimulation increases fibrosis and inflammatory activity by stimulating stellate cells and may promote liver steatosis and carcinogenesis.

DNA methylation and gene expression of immune cell markers in adolescents with chronic cannabis use: an exploratory study.

Plank, Anne-Christine · 2024

Using DNA methylation analysis of blood samples, chronic cannabis-using adolescents (n=14) had lower estimated B cell proportions compared to non-users (n=15).

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue Reduction in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis With Cannabinoid Use.

Purohit, Richa · 2024

About 16.95% of RA and 11.63% of PsA patients reported cannabinoid use, primarily inhaled for RA and topical/liquid for PsA.

The Potential of Cannabis in Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Future Perspective.

Rauf, Arsalan · 2024

Cannabinoids act on CB1 and CB2 receptors in the enteric nervous system, GI epithelial cells, and immune cells, reducing gut motility, secretions, and inflammatory edema.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antidepressant-like Effects of Cannabis sativa L. Extracts.

Shin, Joonyoung · 2024

Cannabis leaf extract (30 mg/kg) reduced immobility in the forced swimming test and increased sucrose preference in LPS-challenged mice, suggesting antidepressant effects.

Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) Inhibits the TRPM7 Ion Channel Through its Kinase Domain.

Suzuki, Sayuri · 2024

CBGA had the strongest inhibitory effect on TRPM7 channels among all major and minor cannabinoids tested.

Anti-inflammatory effects of phytocannabinoids and terpenes on inflamed Tregs and Th17 cells in vitro.

Tan, Kyle B C · 2024

In an initial blinded screen at 20uM, cannabigerol, caryophyllene oxide, and gamma-terpinene reduced cytotoxicity and expression of multiple inflammatory genes.

Comprehensive Assessment of Cannabidiol and HU308 in Acute and Chronic Colitis Models: Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanistic Innovations.

Thapa, Dinesh · 2024

CBD at 60 mg/kg (but not lower doses) significantly reduced colitis symptoms, inflammation, cytokine levels, and MPO activity.

Characterization of cannabinoid plasma concentration, maternal health, and cytokine levels in a rat model of prenatal Cannabis smoke exposure.

Black, Tallan · 2023

Pregnant rats exposed to high-THC or high-CBD cannabis smoke from gestational day 6-20 showed different inflammatory profiles than those receiving injected THC or CBD.

The effect of medical cannabis in inflammatory bowel disease: analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.

Dalavaye, Nishaanth · 2023

Among 76 patients (51 Crohn's, 25 ulcerative colitis), median SIBDQ scores improved at both 1 and 3 months.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabigerol in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Cultures Are Partly Mediated by TRPA1.

Lowin, Torsten · 2023

Most cannabis research focuses on THC and CBD, but the cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids.

Effects of Cannabidiol on Innate Immunity: Experimental Evidence and Clinical Relevance.

Martini, Stefano · 2023

CBD has FDA approval for epilepsy (Epidiolex), but its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have attracted attention for conditions ranging from autoimmune diseases to COVID-19.

Cannabis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping Review Evaluating the Benefits, Risks, and Future Research Directions.

Paland, Nicole · 2023

Preclinical studies demonstrated cannabinoids can halt disease progression and relieve pain.

The dual role of cannabidiol on monocyte-derived dendritic cell differentiation and maturation.

Pénzes, Zsófia · 2023

CBD during differentiation had no acute effect on resting dendritic cells, but when subsequently activated by LPS (bacterial signal), CBD-treated cells showed a markedly tolerogenic response: more IL-6, TNFa, and importantly IL-10 (anti-inflammatory), with IL-10 signaling being the most prominently induced pathway.

Modulation of pulmonary immune function by inhaled cannabis products and consequences for lung disease.

Preteroti, Matthew · 2023

Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to generally dampen immune function in the lungs, including reducing inflammatory responses of epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages.

High-CBD cannabis extracts inhibit the expression of proinflammatory factors via miRNA-mediated silencing in human small intestinal epithelial cells.

Wang, Bo · 2023

The gut is increasingly recognized as a key site where cannabis compounds interact with the body, and inflammatory bowel conditions affect millions of people worldwide.

Phytocannabinoids in the Pharmacotherapy of Psoriasis.

Wroński, Adam · 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing red, scaly patches that can be painful and disfiguring.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of selected cannabinoids and terpenes from Cannabis Sativa employing human primary leukocytes.

Blevins, Lance K · 2022

Of 21 immune parameters tested, THC affected 11, followed by cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and CBD with the fewest effects.

Non-psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. phytocomplex modulates microglial inflammatory response through CB2 receptors-, endocannabinoids-, and NF-κB-mediated signaling.

Borgonetti, Vittoria · 2022

The cannabis extract significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in activated microglia, while pure CBD only partially reduced them and beta-caryophyllene was ineffective.

Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription.

DeMarino, Catherine · 2022

CBD significantly reduced the concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from HIV-1 infected U1 monocytes and primary macrophages.

Immunosuppressive activity of non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. extract on the function of human T lymphocytes.

Devi, Seema · 2022

A cannabis extract with 14% CBD and 0.2% THC inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without causing cell death.

Acidic Cannabinoids Suppress Proinflammatory Cytokine Release by Blocking Store-operated Calcium Entry.

Faouzi, Malika · 2022

Several minor cannabinoids, mainly the carboxylic acid derivatives and especially CBGA, demonstrated high potency in blocking store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in immune cell lines.

The Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist, WIN-55212-2, Suppresses the Activation of Proinflammatory Genes Induced by Interleukin 1 Beta in Human Astrocytes.

Fields, Jerel Adam · 2022

Transcriptomic analysis showed WIN treatment robustly inhibited the inflammatory response triggered by IL1-beta in human astrocytes.

Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

Frane, Nicholas · 2022

CBD use was associated with improvements in pain (83%), physical function (66%), and sleep quality (66%).

Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Effects of Cannabinoids in Inhibiting and Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Janecki, Marcin · 2022

Cannabinoids interact with multiple receptors (GPR55, TRPV1, PPARs, 5-HT1A, adenosine, glycine) beyond CB1/CB2 to produce anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.

Analysis of Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of 25 High-THC Cannabis Extracts.

Li, Dongping · 2022

Anti-cancer efficacy ranged from 66% to 92% growth inhibition across 25 extracts.

Topical cannabidiol (CBD) in skin pathology - A comprehensive review and prospects for new therapeutic opportunities.

Makhakhe, Lehlohonolo · 2022

With the discovery of cannabinoid receptors on the skin, topical cannabis has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, analgesic, wound healing, and anti-proliferative effects.

Impact of Cannabis Use on Inpatient Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes in 2 States Legalizing Recreational Cannabis.

Pusateri, Antoinette · 2022

Reported cannabis use among IBD inpatients increased from 1.2% to 4.2% after legalization (p<0.05).

In Vitro Effects of Cannabidiol on Activated Immune-Inflammatory Pathways in Major Depressive Patients and Healthy Controls.

Rachayon, Muanpetch · 2022

CBD at 0.1 mcg/mL had no immune effects.

Evaluation of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Product Use, Knowledge, and Attitudes in the Eczema Community.

Whiting, Cleo · 2022

100% of respondents supported medical cannabis use.

Differential Effects of D9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- and Cannabidiol (CBD)-Based Cannabinoid Treatments on Macrophage Immune Function In Vitro and on Gastrointestinal Inflammation in a Murine Model.

Yekhtin, Zhanna · 2022

Both pure cannabinoids and cannabis extracts inhibited macrophage nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokine release and reduced expression of cell surface inflammatory markers in vitro.

Synthetic cannabinoids reduce the inflammatory activity of microglia and subsequently improve neuronal survival in vitro.

Young, Alexander P · 2022

Pro-inflammatory microglia released cytotoxic factors that killed cultured neurons.

Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders.

Ahmed, Ishtiaq · 2021

This review mapped the endocannabinoid system's relationship with the immune system and cancer biology.

Inflammatory biomarker relationships with helper T cell GPR15 expression and cannabis and tobacco smoking.

Andersen, Allan M · 2021

In a cohort of 62 primarily African American young adults, researchers measured a specific immune marker: GPR15 expression on helper T cells.

Cannabis compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro in COVID-19-related inflammation in lung epithelial cells and pro-inflammatory activity in macrophages.

Anil, Seegehalli M · 2021

The cannabis fraction (FCBD, containing CBD, CBG, and THCV) dose-dependently reduced IL-6, IL-8, CCL2, CCL7, and ACE2 expression in A549 lung epithelial cells.

An Autonomous Cannabinoid System in Islets of Langerhans.

Aseer, Kanikkai Raja · 2021

Pancreatic beta cells contain a complete endocannabinoid system, including synthesis and degradation enzymes, primarily signaling through CB1 receptors.

Cannabinoid-induced changes in the immune system: The role of microRNAs.

Bhatt, Hirva K · 2021

Cannabinoid exposure changes the expression of specific microRNAs in various immune cell types, and these miRNA changes appear to drive many of the observed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids acting through CB1 and CB2 receptors..

Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Bogale, Kaleb · 2021

There is little clinical evidence that cannabis treats the gastrointestinal inflammation underlying IBD.

The Interplay between the Immune and the Endocannabinoid Systems in Cancer.

Braile, Mariantonia · 2021

CB2 and CB1 receptors are expressed on T cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, and eosinophils within the tumor microenvironment.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cannabis: A Practical Approach for Clinicians.

Buckley, Megan C · 2021

Cannabis has gained popularity for IBD symptom management but has not been proven to reduce inflammation or correct underlying disease processes.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibition in Monocytes/Macrophages from Alzheimer's Disease Patients.

Chiurchiù, Valerio · 2021

AD patients had lower CB1 and CB2 expression on B-lymphocytes and monocytes, with higher FAAH levels in monocytes.

Emerging potential of cannabidiol in reversing proteinopathies.

Dash, Raju · 2021

CBD has been shown in preclinical models to reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein misfolding across multiple neurodegenerative disease models.

Development and validation of a mouse model of contemporary cannabis smoke exposure.

Fantauzzi, Matthew F · 2021

Cannabis smoke exposure increased airway and lung tissue macrophage populations (tissue-resident alveolar, monocyte-derived alveolar, and interstitial subtypes) in both sexes.

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) offers effective alternative over statins in ameliorating hypercholesterolemia associated nephropathy.

Kaur, Simarpreet · 2021

Hempseed lipid extract (HEMP) improved lipid profiles and morphological signs of high cholesterol, and was safer than simvastatin for liver and kidney function markers.

Peripherally Selective CB1 Receptor Antagonist Improves Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome in Mice.

Khan, Nayaab · 2021

The peripheral CB1 antagonist RTI1092769 inhibited weight gain, improved glucose utilization, and significantly reduced liver triglycerides and steatosis in mice on a high-fat diet.

N-linoleyltyrosine exerts neuroprotective effects in APP/PS1 transgenic mice via cannabinoid receptor-mediated autophagy.

Long, Chun-Mei · 2021

N-linoleyltyrosine (NITyr) improved motor coordination and spatial memory in APP/PS1 mice, reduced amyloid-beta levels in the hippocampus, and upregulated autophagy markers.

Activation of GPR18 by Resolvin D2 Relieves Pain and Improves Bladder Function in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis Through Inhibiting TRPV1.

Lu, Qudong · 2021

Intrathecal injection of Resolvin D2 (a GPR18 agonist) increased paw withdrawal threshold and micturition interval in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis.

Knowledge, Perception, and Use of Cannabis Therapy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Muñiz-Camacho, Luis A · 2021

27% reported cannabis use.

Cannabis and Its Potential Protective Role Against Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review.

Nso, Nso · 2021

Studies reported improvements in general well-being and Harvey-Bradshaw Index, enhanced health perception scores (4.1 to 7.0, p=0.0002), weight gain, CDAI scores below 150, and reduced clinical complications.

Effects of cannabinoid receptor 2 synthetic agonist, AM1241, on bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Parlar, Ali · 2021

Rats treated with AM1241 before bleomycin exposure had significantly lower levels of hydroxyproline (a collagen marker), TNF-alpha, IL-6, and total protein compared to bleomycin-only rats.

Evaluation of Cannabinoids on the Odonto/Osteogenesis in Human Dental Pulp Cells In Vitro.

Qi, Xia · 2021

In a finding that surprised even the researchers (their null hypothesis was that THC would induce dental tissue repair), THC showed biphasic effects on human dental pulp cells.

Cannabidiol selectively modulates interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 production in toll-like receptor activated human peripheral blood monocytes.

Sermet, Sera · 2021

CBD (0.5-10 μM) significantly suppressed IL-1β secretion across most toll-like receptor pathways and modulated IL-6 production, while 11 other immune mediators remained largely unaffected, revealing a highly selective anti-inflammatory profile..

Endocannabinoid Levels in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Correlate With Clinical Parameters and Are Affected by Cannabis Consumption.

Tartakover Matalon, Shelly · 2021

In UC patients treated with placebo, levels of PEA, AEA, and arachidonic acid decreased significantly over 8 weeks, while levels remained stable in cannabis-treated UC patients.

Cannabis and Canabidinoids on the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Going Beyond Misuse.

Carvalho, Antonelly Cassio Alves de · 2020

Cannabis use was associated with improvement in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease symptom scores and quality of life across reviewed studies.

Endocannabinoids Inhibit the Induction of Virulence in Enteric Pathogens.

Ellermann, Melissa · 2020

Mice with elevated 2-AG levels were protected from enteric infection.

Cannabinoid-profiled agents improve cell survival via reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and Nrf2 activation in a toxic model combining hyperglycemia+Aβ1-42 peptide in rat hippocampal neurons.

Elmazoglu, Zubeyir · 2020

All five cannabinoid agents preserved cell viability, stimulated mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced oxidative damage and inflammation.

Cannabinoid receptor 2 activation decreases severity of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis via regulating autophagy.

Liu, Qinggang · 2020

In mice with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, CB2 agonist JWH-133 significantly reduced pain sensitivity, decreased urinary frequency, and alleviated bladder inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effects of co-administration of rapamycin and evening primrose/hemp seed oil supplement on immunologic factors and cell membrane fatty acids in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Rezapour-Firouzi, Soheila · 2020

In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis), researchers tested whether evening primrose oil combined with hemp seed oil (EPO/HSO) could improve immune function, and how it compared to rapamycin, an established immunosuppressant. The EPO/HSO combination improved the fatty acid composition of spleen and blood cell membranes, increasing the incorporation of beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Cannabidiol (CBD) modulation of apelin in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Salles, Évila Lopes · 2020

Using intranasal Poly(I:C) to mimic viral ARDS in mice, researchers found that ARDS significantly decreased apelin expression in blood and lung tissue.

Potential Probiotic or Trigger of Gut Inflammation - The Janus-Faced Nature of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract.

Skinner, Charles M · 2020

CBD-rich cannabis extract (CRCE) at multiple doses substantially increased the gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila (currently considered probiotic) in mouse fecal samples.

Cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist promotes parameters implicated in mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Tartakover Matalon, Shelly · 2020

In inflamed colon tissue from 16 IBD patients, the CB2 agonist JWH-133 increased epithelial cell proliferation by more than 50%, reduced programmed cell death, and lowered MMP9 activity and IL-8 levels, all of which are associated with mucosal healing..

Allosteric Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) Ligands Reduce Ocular Pain and Inflammation.

Thapa, Dinesh · 2020

The CB1 allosteric ligand GAT228 reduced pain on its own, while GAT229 and GAT211 reduced pain when combined with a low dose of THC.

Peripheral versus central mechanisms of the cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist AM1710 in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.

Wilkerson, Jenny L · 2020

AM1710 reversed mechanical allodynia to sham levels in CB1 knockout, heterozygous, and wildtype mice via both peripheral (i.p.) and spinal (i.t.) routes.

Inverse Agonism of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Confers Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects Following Status Epileptics.

Yu, Ying · 2020

Status epilepticus downregulated CB1 but slightly upregulated CB2 in the hippocampus.

Combination of Cannabinoids, Δ9- Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol, Ameliorates Experimental Multiple Sclerosis by Suppressing Neuroinflammation Through Regulation of miRNA-Mediated Signaling Pathways.

Al-Ghezi, Zinah Zamil · 2019

THC+CBD combination (10 mg/kg each) attenuated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice by reducing brain-infiltrating inflammatory T cells and pro-inflammatory molecules while increasing anti-inflammatory markers.

Combination of cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), mitigates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by altering the gut microbiome.

Al-Ghezi, Zinah Zamil · 2019

THC+CBD treatment reduced a mucin-degrading gut bacterium (Akkermansia muciniphila) that was elevated in EAE mice, lowered brain LPS levels, and increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

β-Caryophyllene, a CB2-Receptor-Selective Phytocannabinoid, Suppresses Mechanical Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Antiretroviral-Induced Neuropathic Pain.

Aly, Esraa · 2019

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) prevented the development of mechanical allodynia when co-administered with the NRTI zalcitabine and attenuated established pain through CB2 receptor activation.

Experimental Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Activation by Phyto-Derived and Synthetic Cannabinoid Ligands in LPS-Induced Interstitial Cystitis in Mice.

Berger, Geraint · 2019

Both beta-caryophyllene (BCP) and the synthetic CB2 agonist HU308 significantly reduced leukocyte adhesion in bladder venules and improved capillary perfusion when instilled directly into the bladder.

Marijuana-Derived Cannabinoids Trigger a CB2/PI3K Axis of Suppression of the Innate Response to Oral Pathogens.

Gu, Zhen · 2019

All three major phytocannabinoids (CBD, CBN, THC) at physiological doses suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-12, IL-6, IL-8, TNF) and enhanced anti-inflammatory IL-10 in response to three oral pathogens.

Cannabis, a potential treatment option in pediatric IBD? Still a long way to go.

Halbmeijer, Nienke · 2019

Cannabis may relieve IBD symptoms and improve quality of life in individual patients.

Cannabis Oil Use by Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Hoffenberg, Edward J · 2019

15 cannabis oil users and 67 non-users had similar clinical characteristics and pain/appetite scores.

Cannabinoids Reduce Inflammation but Inhibit Lymphocyte Recovery in Murine Models of Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Khuja, Iman · 2019

In an allogeneic transplant model, THC-high and CBD-high cannabis extracts reduced GVHD severity and improved survival better than pure cannabinoids.

A Novel Standardized Cannabis sativa L. Extract and Its Constituent Cannabidiol Inhibit Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Functions.

Mabou Tagne, Alex · 2019

Both CM5 (5% CBD cannabis extract) and pure CBD inhibited polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration, ROS production, and TNF-alpha production.

Anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoid receptor 2 ligands in primary hPDL fibroblasts.

Abidi, Ammaar H · 2018

Researchers tested three cannabinoid compounds on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, the cells that anchor teeth to bone.

n-3 polyunsaturated N-acylethanolamines are CB2 cannabinoid receptor-preferring endocannabinoids.

Alharthi, Nahed · 2018

The endocannabinoid system produces a family of signaling molecules called N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), of which anandamide is the most famous.

Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids: An Option for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cancer of the Colon?

Grill, Magdalena · 2018

Researchers reviewed the evidence on cannabinoids for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. For IBD, in vitro and animal data showed cannabinoids reduce intestinal inflammation through multiple mechanisms.

Circulating endocannabinoids: from whence do they come and where are they going?

Hillard, Cecilia J. · 2018

Endocannabinoids aren't just in the brain.

Endocannabinoid system acts as a regulator of immune homeostasis in the gut.

Acharya, Nandini · 2017

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and its receptor CB2 regulate immune tolerance in the gut and pancreas.

Transient Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Blockade during Immunization Heightens Intensity and Breadth of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses in Young and Aged mice.

Dotsey, Emmanuel · 2017

The study first demonstrated that immune cells (macrophages and dendritic cells) produce the endocannabinoid 2-AG when activated by antigens, and that 2-AG levels increase in both blood and lymph nodes during vaccination.

Marijuana smoke induces severe pulmonary hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and emphysema in a predictive mouse model not via CB1 receptor activation.

Helyes, Z · 2017

This study provided the first systematic, head-to-head comparison of marijuana and tobacco smoke effects on mouse lungs over four months of daily exposure. Marijuana inhalation triggered severe bronchial hyperreactivity within just one week.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel, Non-Brain-Penetrant, Hybrid Cannabinoid CB1R Inverse Agonist/Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Inhibitors for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis.

Iyer, Malliga R · 2017

This medicinal chemistry study designed and synthesized a new class of compounds that combine two therapeutic mechanisms: blocking CB1 cannabinoid receptors and inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), both of which are implicated in liver fibrosis. The key innovation was engineering these compounds to stay out of the brain, avoiding the psychiatric side effects (depression, anxiety, suicidality) that doomed the first-generation CB1 blocker rimonabant. A series of 3,4-diarylpyrazolinecarboximidamides were synthesized and tested.

Cannabidiol reduces neuroinflammation and promotes neuroplasticity and functional recovery after brain ischemia.

Mori, Marco Aurélio · 2017

This study investigated CBD's effects on brain damage from blood flow restriction (ischemia) in mice, modeling what happens during a stroke. Mice with induced brain ischemia developed long-lasting deficits: increased anxiety (day 9), memory impairment (days 12-18), and despair-like behavior (day 21).

Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Colon Models Is Derived from Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid That Interacts with Additional Compounds in Cannabis Extracts.

Nallathambi, Rameshprabu · 2017

This study systematically characterized which components of cannabis extracts produce anti-inflammatory effects in colon models relevant to inflammatory bowel disease. The anti-inflammatory activity was traced to a specific fraction containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the raw precursor to THC found in unheated cannabis.

Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis.

Philpott, Holly T · 2017

Researchers tested CBD's effects on osteoarthritis (OA) pain in rats using both therapeutic and preventive approaches.

An Endocannabinoid Uptake Inhibitor from Black Pepper Exerts Pronounced Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Mice.

Reynoso-Moreno, Inés · 2017

Guineensine, a dietary compound present in both black and long pepper, was previously shown to inhibit cellular endocannabinoid uptake, effectively boosting the body's own cannabinoid levels.

Oral administration of cannabis with lipids leads to high levels of cannabinoids in the intestinal lymphatic system and prominent immunomodulation.

Zgair, Atheer · 2017

Researchers discovered that co-administering cannabinoids with dietary lipids dramatically increased their transport through the intestinal lymphatic system in rats.

Cannabis for Refractory Psoriasis-High Hopes for a Novel Treatment and a Literature Review.

Derakhshan, Nima · 2016

This brief review proposed a theoretical basis for using cannabinoids to treat psoriasis, a common skin disorder characterized by excessive skin cell proliferation. The authors noted that psoriasis involves an interaction between the immune system and the nervous system through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Marijuana-derived Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol suppresses Th1/Th17 cell-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity through microRNA regulation.

Sido, Jessica M · 2016

Researchers induced a delayed-type hypersensitivity response in mice (an overactive immune reaction driven by Th1 and Th17 inflammatory T cells) and then treated them with THC.

Blockade of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibits oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity and prevents demyelination in vivo.

Bernal-Chico, Ana · 2015

Researchers tested JZL184, a drug that blocks the enzyme MAGL (which breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG), in cell cultures and two different mouse models of multiple sclerosis-like disease.

Cannabidiol increases survival and promotes rescue of cognitive function in a murine model of cerebral malaria.

Campos, A C · 2015

Researchers infected mice with a malaria parasite that causes cerebral malaria and treated them with CBD (30mg/kg/day).

A new formulation of cannabidiol in cream shows therapeutic effects in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Giacoppo, Sabrina · 2015

Researchers tested a topical 1% CBD cream formulation in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the standard animal model for multiple sclerosis.

Decreased glial reactivity could be involved in the antipsychotic-like effect of cannabidiol.

Gomes, Felipe V · 2015

Researchers used an animal model of schizophrenia based on blocking NMDA receptors (which mimics the glutamate dysfunction seen in schizophrenia) and tested whether CBD could reverse the resulting behavioral and brain changes. Chronic MK-801 treatment impaired social interaction and novel object recognition in mice, modeling the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.

HU-444, a Novel, Potent Anti-Inflammatory, Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoid.

Haj, Christeene G · 2015

Researchers synthesized HU-444, a novel derivative of CBD designed to be structurally incapable of converting to THC in acidic conditions (a potential concern with natural CBD).

Critical Role of Mast Cells and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ in the Induction of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Marijuana Cannabidiol In Vivo.

Hegde, Venkatesh L · 2015

Researchers discovered that CBD administration in mice triggered a robust immune response: the mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the abdominal cavity.

Endocannabinoid Catabolic Enzymes Play Differential Roles in Thermal Homeostasis in Response to Environmental or Immune Challenge.

Nass, Sara R · 2015

Researchers tested how two endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes, MAGL (which breaks down 2-AG) and FAAH (which breaks down anandamide), contribute to body temperature regulation under stress. Inhibiting MAGL with JZL184 made hypothermia worse in mice challenged with either a bacterial endotoxin (LPS) or cold (4 degrees Celsius) environment.

Elevated levels of endocannabinoids in chronic hepatitis C may modulate cellular immune response and hepatic stellate cell activation.

Patsenker, Eleonora · 2015

Researchers measured endocannabinoid levels in hepatitis C patients and found both anandamide and 2-AG were elevated in plasma compared to healthy controls.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (3',5'-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-aryl/alkyl-methanone selective CB2 inverse agonist.

Presley, Chaela S · 2015

Researchers designed and synthesized a series of compounds based on a 2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl scaffold that selectively target the CB2 cannabinoid receptor as inverse agonists, without functional activity at CB1. Key structure-activity findings: an aromatic C ring was required for inverse agonist activity, with substitution at the 4-position being optimal.

Synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and docking studies of pyrrole structure-based CB2 receptor antagonists.

Ragusa, Giulio · 2015

Researchers modified the structure of the known CB2 antagonist SR144528, replacing its pyrazole ring with a pyrrole ring and varying other structural elements.

Lipopolysaccharide suppresses carboxylesterase 2g activity and 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis: A possible mechanism to regulate inflammation.

Szafran, Brittany · 2015

Researchers hypothesized that inflammation would reduce the activity of enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, thereby boosting anti-inflammatory endocannabinoid levels.

COX-2-derived endocannabinoid metabolites as novel inflammatory mediators.

Alhouayek, Mireille · 2014

This review explored a lesser-known function of COX-2, an enzyme best known for producing prostaglandins during inflammation.

Marijuana use and brain immune mechanisms.

Cabral, Guy A · 2014

This review examined how cannabinoids affect immune function within the central nervous system.

Neuroinflammation as a possible link between cannabinoids and addiction.

Rodrigues, Livia C M · 2014

The review synthesized evidence from 165 articles showing that substance dependence is accompanied by both changes in endocannabinoid signaling and activation of neuroinflammatory processes.

Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects on specific immune parameters.

Sexton, Michelle · 2014

Monocyte migration (a measure of immune cell movement) was similarly inhibited by phytocannabinoids in samples from both MS patients and healthy controls, suggesting cannabis affects this immune parameter equally regardless of MS status. Plasma levels of two inflammatory markers, CCL2 and IL-17, were reduced in chronic cannabis users compared to non-users across both groups.

Cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist attenuates pain related behavior in rats with chronic alcohol/high fat diet induced pancreatitis.

Zhang, Liping · 2014

Rats with chronic pancreatitis induced by an alcohol/high-fat diet developed visceral pain behaviors by week 3 that persisted as long as the diet continued.

The antinociceptive triterpene β-amyrin inhibits 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) hydrolysis without directly targeting cannabinoid receptors.

Chicca, A · 2012

Previous research claimed the natural triterpenes alpha- and beta-amyrin bound directly to CB1 receptors at subnanomolar concentrations and relieved pain through cannabinoid receptors.

Cannabidiol protects oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from inflammation-induced apoptosis by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Mecha, M · 2012

Researchers tested whether CBD could protect oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), the cells that produce myelin in the brain, from immune-mediated damage relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic plant-derived cannabinoid, decreases inflammation in a murine model of acute lung injury: role for the adenosine A(2A) receptor.

Ribeiro, Alison · 2012

Researchers induced acute lung injury in mice using LPS (a bacterial toxin) and administered a single 20 mg/kg dose of CBD beforehand.

Cannabinoids: novel medicines for the treatment of Huntington's disease.

Sagredo, Onintza · 2012

The review examined the potential of cannabinoids to treat Huntington's disease (HD), a genetic neurodegenerative condition affecting primarily the striatum and cortex.

Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids is neuroprotective in malonate-lesioned rats, an inflammatory model of Huntington's disease: role of CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Valdeolivas, Sara · 2012

Researchers tested a 1:1 combination of THC-rich and CBD-rich botanical extracts (mimicking Sativex) in rats with striatal lesions created by the toxin malonate, which models the inflammatory component of Huntington's disease. The phytocannabinoid combination reduced edema measured by MRI, reversed the loss of healthy neurons and the increase in degenerating cells, attenuated reactive microglia and astrogliosis (markers of brain inflammation), and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase and IGF-1 expression.

Cannabidiol reduces Aβ-induced neuroinflammation and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis through PPARγ involvement.

Esposito, Giuseppe · 2011

Researchers investigated whether CBD's neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models worked through the PPARgamma receptor, recently identified as a potential CBD binding site. In rat AD models exposed to beta-amyloid (the toxic protein in Alzheimer's), CBD reduced reactive gliosis (brain immune cell activation) and subsequent neuronal damage.

Cannabinoids lead to enhanced virulence of the smallpox vaccine (vaccinia) virus.

Huemer, Hartwig P · 2011

Researchers found that a single dose of cannabis resin was equally effective as pure THC at increasing the severity and duration of vaccinia virus (smallpox vaccine virus) infection in mice. In vitro, cannabis resin was more potent than THC alone at inhibiting immune cell proliferation, suggesting additional cannabis compounds beyond THC contributed to immunosuppression.

Inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase attenuates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric hemorrhages in mice.

Kinsey, Steven G · 2011

NSAIDs (common painkillers like ibuprofen) frequently cause stomach bleeding and ulcers.

Cannabidiol inhibits pathogenic T cells, decreases spinal microglial activation and ameliorates multiple sclerosis-like disease in C57BL/6 mice.

Kozela, Ewa · 2011

Researchers used an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in mice, the standard animal model for multiple sclerosis.

Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Rajesh, Mohanraj · 2010

Researchers tested CBD in a mouse model of type I diabetic cardiomyopathy and in human heart cells exposed to high glucose conditions. In diabetic mice, the heart showed declining function, increased oxidative stress, elevated inflammatory markers (NF-kB activation, TNF-alpha, adhesion molecules), fibrosis markers, and enhanced cell death.

Cannabidiol-induced lymphopenia does not involve NKT and NK cells.

Ignatowska-Jankowska, B · 2009

Male rats received daily CBD injections (2.5 or 5 mg/kg) for 14 days. At the higher dose (5 mg/kg), CBD caused a significant decrease in total white blood cells and in the numbers of T cells, B cells, T helper cells, and T cytotoxic cells. However, this immunosuppressive effect did not affect NK or NKT cells, which are responsible for nonspecific antiviral and antitumor immune responses. At the lower dose (2.5 mg/kg), CBD actually increased NKT cell numbers and the percentage of NK cells. The results suggest CBD may suppress adaptive (specific) immunity while sparing or enhancing innate (nonspecific) antiviral and antitumor defenses..

Cannabidiol decreases bone resorption by inhibiting RANK/RANKL expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines during experimental periodontitis in rats.

Napimoga, Marcelo H · 2009

Researchers induced periodontal disease in rats using ligatures around the lower first molars and treated them with CBD (5 mg/kg daily) or vehicle for 30 days. CBD-treated animals showed significantly less alveolar bone loss compared to untreated animals with periodontal disease. The protective effect was associated with lower expression of RANKL/RANK, molecules that drive bone resorption.

Expression of the endocannabinoid system in fibroblasts and myofascial tissues.

McPartland, John M · 2008

Using bioinformatics analysis of publicly available gene expression data, the researcher found that fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, chondrocytes, and synoviocytes all express CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors, and the enzymes that make and break down endocannabinoids. Fibroblast CB1 levels were notably high, nearly matching adipocyte (fat cell) levels.

Cannabidiol, unlike synthetic cannabinoids, triggers activation of RBL-2H3 mast cells.

Giudice, Elda Del · 2007

Using a rat mast cell line (RBL-2H3), researchers found that CBD at concentrations of 3-10 micromolar increased the release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of mast cell activation.

Suppressive effects of cannabidiol on antigen-specific antibody production and functional activity of splenocytes in ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice.

Jan, Tong-Rong · 2007

Mice received a single dose of CBD (5-20 mg/kg) before being sensitized with ovalbumin (a common allergen used in immunology research).

Cannabidiol inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression and nitric oxide production in beta-amyloid stimulated PC12 neurons through p38 MAP kinase and NF-kappaB involvement.

Esposito, Giuseppe · 2006

Researchers tested CBD's effects on neuronal cells (PC12) stimulated with beta-amyloid (1-42), a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Targeting the CB2 receptor for immune modulation.

Lunn, Charles A · 2006

This review examined the CB2 cannabinoid receptor's role in immune regulation.

Unheated Cannabis sativa extracts and its major compound THC-acid have potential immuno-modulating properties not mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptor coupled pathways.

Verhoeckx, Kitty C M · 2006

Researchers compared the immune effects of unheated (raw) cannabis extract, containing primarily THCa (tetrahydrocannabinoid acid), with heated cannabis extract, which converts THCa to the psychoactive THC. Both unheated extract and purified THCa inhibited TNF-alpha production from stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner.

Cannabidiol lowers incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice.

Weiss, L · 2006

Researchers tested CBD in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a standard animal model for type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes.

Cannabinoids and the immune system: potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases?

Croxford, J Ludovic · 2005

Since the discovery of cannabinoid receptors on immune system cells, researchers have investigated how cannabinoids affect immune function.

From cannabis to endocannabinoids in multiple sclerosis: a paradigm of central nervous system autoimmune diseases.

Malfitano, Anna Maria · 2005

This review compiled evidence on cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in the context of MS as a central nervous system autoimmune disease.

Marijuana and T lymphocyte rosettes.

Cushman, P · 1976

In a comparison of 35 chronic marijuana smokers and 34 controls, smokers produced significantly fewer early (active) T-lymphocyte rosettes.

Reduction in T-lymphocytes forming active rosettes in chronic marijuana smokers.

Cushman, P · 1975

Researchers compared immune cell counts in 23 marijuana smokers and 23 non-smoking controls.

Delta-9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and decreased macrophage migration inhibition activity.

Gaul, C C · 1975

When immunized rats received THC by injection at doses ranging from 0.31 to 1.25 mg per kg body weight, the activity of macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) dropped significantly.

Depressant effect of marihuana smoke on antibactericidal activity of pulmonary alveolar macrophages.

Huber, G L · 1975

Lung immune cells (alveolar macrophages) harvested from rats were exposed to marijuana smoke at increasing doses and then challenged with Staphylococcus bacteria.

Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mouse spleens.

Lefkowitz, S S · 1975

Mice immunized with sheep red blood cells and given THC showed a marked reduction in plaque-forming cells, which are the spleen cells responsible for producing antibodies.

The protective role of cannabidiol in stress-induced liver injury: modulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage.

Huang, Chengyu · 2025

CBD treatment reduced liver damage markers (AST, ALT), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha), and fibrosis marker alpha-SMA in stressed mice.

Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis sativa L. Extract Alleviates LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation Behavioral Alterations, and Astrocytic Bioenergetic Impairment in Male Mice.

Ibork, Hind · 2025

At 20 mg/kg, CBD-rich cannabis extract was more effective than synthetic CBD in reducing LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior, cognitive deficits, and locomotor impairments in mice.

Cannabidiol attenuates diet-induced metabolic endotoxemia, neuroinflammation, and anxiety-like behaviors in male aged rats.

Jantsch, Jeferson · 2025

Cafeteria diet increased anxiety-like behaviors, circulating LPS (endotoxemia), and prefrontal cortex IL-6 in 18-month-old rats.

Cannabigerol Exerts In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects via Inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB Pathways.

Kim, Jong-Hui · 2025

CBG suppressed nitric oxide production and reduced mRNA/protein expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) through MAPK and NF-kB pathway downregulation in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

Endocannabinoid Tone and Oxylipins in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis-A Novel Target for the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation?

Klawitter, Jost · 2025

Among 80 participants (25 RA, 18 OA, 37 healthy), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels were significantly lower in both RA and OA patients compared to controls.

A 1:1 combination of cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibit toll-like receptor 7- and 8-mediated inflammation in human immune cells.

Sun, Melody Cui · 2025

TLR7/8 activation in macrophages and PBMCs promoted production of CXCL10, TNFα, and type I interferons through NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and IRF7 pathways.

Cannabis and cannabinoid-microbiome interactions in varied clinical contexts: A comprehensive systematic review.

Thu, May Soe · 2025

Nine studies (2 clinical trials, 7 observational) examined cannabis/cannabinoid effects on oral, GI, fecal, and vaginal microbiota.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabinoids in Therapy of Neurodegenerative Disorders and Inflammatory Diseases of the CNS.

Tomaszewska-Zaremba, Dorota · 2025

Cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential across Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and HIV-associated dementia.

Microglial morphological/inflammatory phenotypes and endocannabinoid signaling in a preclinical model of periodontitis and depression.

Robledo-Montaña, Javier · 2024

Rats with combined periodontitis and chronic mild stress showed decreased frontal cortex levels of endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes (NAPE-PLD, DAGL, MAGL), CB1 receptor, and downstream signaling molecules.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Full-Spectrum Low-THC Cannabis Plant Extract Using In Vitro Models of Inflammation and Excitotoxicity.

Ross-Munro, Emily · 2024

NTI-164, a high-CBD/low-THC full-spectrum extract, significantly attenuated inflammation-induced upregulation of microglial inflammatory markers in BV-2 microglia, while CBD alone did not.

Associations between prenatal and postnatal substance exposure and salivary C-reactive protein in early childhood.

Simon, Shauna G · 2023

Prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with higher salivary CRP in children at age 4-6, and prenatal cannabis exposure showed similar patterns, particularly when measured via biomarkers rather than self-report..

Single-cell analyses reveal cannabidiol rewires tumor microenvironment via inhibiting alternative activation of macrophage and synergizes with anti-PD-1 in colon cancer.

Sun, Xiaofan · 2023

CBD suppressed M2-like (immunosuppressive) macrophages and promoted M1-like (anti-tumor) macrophages within tumors.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabis sativa Extracts on LPS-Induced Cytokines Release in Human Macrophages.

Zaiachuk, Mariia · 2023

Cannabis extracts reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune signaling molecules) from human macrophages activated by bacterial endotoxin (LPS), demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects in a controlled laboratory model..