Cannabis sativa could be considered one of the most important plants ever designed for healing because it contains a wide spectrum of cannabinoids that activate specific cannibinoid receptors throughout the human body. These cannibinoids are mediated at the CB1 and CB2 receptors, found throughout the human nervous system. Over one hundred studies have documented the role of cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory medicines. These anti-inflammatory effects have been confirmed in human cell cultures and in animal studies. These studies find that the endocannibinoid system regulates the immune system and suppresses inflammatory responses that lead to disease processes. The cannibinoid system has the potential to induce apoptosis in activated immune cells, suppress cytokines and chemokines at inflammatory sites, and up regulate specific T cells.
Cannibinoids address the inflammatory conditions within the cells, mitigating arthritis symptoms
These studies also find that the cannibinoids from cannabis sativa protect humans from autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and hepatitis by dealing with the root pathogenesis of inflammation within the cells. A plethora of anecdotal reports have praised cannabis for reversing arthritic conditions in people. Studies on cannabis are hard to come by because the plant is considered a drug in many places and prohibited from clinical trials. However, a 2005 British study published in the journal Rheumatology matched arthritis patients with a new drug that is made from cannabis sativa. This THC - CBD complex is approved as a drug in Europe and is considered a nutraceutical in Canada and was subjected to clinical trials by GW Pharma. This nutraceutical also includes the minor cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in cannabis sativa.
The study looked at 155 cannabis users seeking relief from rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune condition is signified by chronic inflammation that eventually breaks down the cartilage in the joints, causing greater long term pain. The study honed in on 75 patients who were no longer getting relief from standard pharmaceutical treatments. Thirty-one of the patients were given the nutraceutical and twenty-seven were given a placebo. All were kept on the lowest dose of their typical prescription. Those who took the nutraceutical experienced “transient dizziness” and momentarily spaced out, but the dosing occurred in the evening to not interfere with patient's daily activities. There were no long term side effects. Five of the participants in the placebo group experienced adverse withdrawal effects but none of those taking the THC-CBD complex experienced any of these mental effects. Most importantly, those who used the nutraceutical observed significantly lowered pain, allowing for better mobility and rest.
The study concluded: “In the first ever controlled trial of a CBM [cannabis based medicine] in RA [rheumatoid arthritis], a significant analgesic effect was observed and disease activity was significantly suppressed following Sativex treatment. Whilst the differences are small and variable across the population, they represent benefits of clinical relevance and show the need for more detailed investigation in this indication.” [emphasis added]
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