Medical Marijuana THC and Covid-19
CANNABIS AND COVID: MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Mark Moore MD, Hannah Buchannan and the Staff at MEDCAN August 2020
Can Medical Marijuana prevent COVID/Coronavirus? Can Medical Marijauana cure or assist the recovery of patients that have Covid/coronavirus?
These are questions that come to mind during these unprecedented times of a worldwide pandemic. Although there is little specific scientific literature available about cannabis, THC, CBD and its relationship to our current COVID-19, previous research has revealed a ubiquitous, cannabis-influenced system in our body responsible for maintaining balance and harmony within every other bodily system[1] —including the immune system. This system is a highly regulated, pleiotropic secretion system found in all living animals (except for insects).[2] It is one of the first systems present within us even before birth, during the early embryonic stages, and exists throughout our lives1. This integral biological system is called the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS. This endogenous cannabinoid system was discovered in humans in the 1980’s by a team at St.Louis University School of Medicine (Howlett and Devane)[3] , but due to the DEA Control-1 classification of Marijuana, the system in which it functions, the ECS, is rarely taught in science classes or medical school. Even more interesting is the fact that, although the ECS explains how and why cannabinoids work, we still do not know why this system exists. The ECS interacts with synapses belonging to the central nervous system and plays a key role in synaptic signaling. The ECS learns from repeated stressful events, and due to its high concentration of receptors in the hippocampus, is able to prevent the saving and retrieving of negative memories. While several components of the ECS have been identified, there is much still unknown about this system. One piece of information discovered is we can increase our levels of endocannabinoids with something as simple as a few minutes of singing or dancing. Bob Marley was right.
To recognize the relationship between the immune system and the endocannabinoid system, one must first understand the role of the ECS as the “gatekeeper” of homeostasis.2 The ECS holds reign over every biological system we possess, such as the pulmonary system, nervous system, and immune system. The method used by the endocannabinoid system to maintain balance in all of these systems is much like a lock and a key. Endocannabinoid receptors resemble locks scattered throughout our bodies; the two major receptors are known as CB1 and CB2. Ligands represent the keys to these locks within the ECS and are already present in our bodies, even if there was no previous exposure to cannabis. An example of a ligand is anandamide (AEA), referred to as the “bliss molecule.”2 AEA is one of the chemicals responsible for the feeling of pleasure felt after exercising. Molecules of AEA are released in the body during aerobic activity and bind to either of the CB1 or CB2 receptors like a lock and key, thus generating a euphoric effect known to some as a “runner’s high.” Like AEA, Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, mimics this naturally produced ligand and is therefore also capable of attaching to either of the CB binding sites.2 Because of THC’s morphology resembling that of pre-existing ligands and the integral role played by the ECS in organ systems, the presence of exogenous (outside the body) cannabinoids must have some effect at the biological level.
The immune system comes into play due to the immunosuppressive effects mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids, whether endogenous or inhaled, have a high level of influence on immune responses.2 These effects include, but are not limited to, induction of apoptosis, or random cell death, and inhibition of immune cell overgrowth.4 Cannabis is also capable of affecting the expression of genes within a specific pathway. Just as certain innate chemicals regulate genes by turning them on or off, phytocannabinoids such as CBD and THC were shown to modulate the expression of a number of genes that encode for an immune response.In a model of diabetes, phytocannabinoids elicited anti-inflammatory immune responses and restored T-helper 1/T-helper 2 balance.3 CBD has also demonstrated powerful immunosuppressive activity in cancer studies by slowing the rapid growth of T-cells.6 Because of this lowered frequency of activated T-cells caused by cannabinoids, the risk of developing non-AIDS-associated comorbidities is limited.1 Individuals with autoimmune diseases in need of suppressing potentially devastating overactive immune responses seem to have the most to gain from the therapeutic agents attributed to phytocannabinoids.
While we have seen the benefits of cannabinoids on the immune system of those afflicted with autoimmune disorders, what is the effects of cannabis on the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens? In one study, heavy cannabis use was associated with a lower presence of virus in blood samples taken from HIV-infected patients being treated with antiretroviral therapy, suggesting a possible benefit of cannabis in viral control.1 However in another study, heavy cannabis use was associated with an elevated white blood cell count, which may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections.7 Due to its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive effects, cannabinoids benefit those suffering from overactive immune systems, but may risk suppressing desirable immune responses to pathogens in healthy individuals.
A study in Canada that focused on the use of CBD in the prevention of COVID-19 found that cannabis extracts could lower the chance of infection.8 While present in the host’s lungs, intestines, or mouth, certain strains of cannabis extract were shown to reduce the number of virus receptors by 73%.8 In another study conducted in Israel, research suggests cannabis could be used to treat some symptoms of coronavirus. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, cannabis could be used in the treatment and prevention of potentially fatal inflammation in patients with COVID-19.5 Certain types of cannabinoids can downregulate the inflammatory cytokine storm before symptoms lead to sever lung complications. The research focuses on decoding the mechanism of cannabinoids and their role in cellular communication. So far, 15 strains appear to have the power to prevent a rapid inflammatory response.5 However, many researchers are unable to secure funding in order to start clinical trials.8 While the benefits of cannabis are promising, research is stifled due to the complicated drug laws in the U.S. that hamper the industry.
In regard to our current COVID-19 pandemic, no conclusions can be ascertained on how marijuana influences our susceptibility to coronavirus. Because much about the endocannabinoid system remains unknown, the exact effects of cannabis on our immune system’s resistance to pathogens like Covid-19 is yet to be studied. That said, it is best to take precautions. Knowing coronavirus affects the respiratory system, try to limit your intake of smoked or inhaled cannabis. Instead, opt for oral consumption. Cannabis oil can be taken sublingual under the tongue for faster absorption or as oral concentrates that can be ingested directly from the syringe, or infused infused into a food dish. For those that prefer smokeables even in light of the risks, consider a vaporizer to avoid harmful byproducts of combustion, and reduce your intake when possible. Cannabis is good medicine for the right patients. Use judiciously and only what you need. Do you have more questions about medical cannabis or what is the best THC dose? See our website at www.Med-Can.com
About Dr Mark Moore and MEDCAN: The MEDCAN Office was the very first doctor’s office in the State of Florida dedicated to certifying patients for medical cannabis. Dr. Mark Moore, MEDCAN’s founder is one of the most experienced medical marijuana physicians in the State of Florida.
1 Manuzak JA, Gott TM, Kirkwood JS, et al. Heavy Cannabis Use Associated with Reduction in Activated and Inflammatory Immune Cell Frequencies in Antiretroviral Therapy–Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Individuals. Clinical Infectious Diseases (2018) 66:1872-82. doi.org/10.1093/cid/cix1116
2 Oláh A, Szekanecz Z, Bíró T. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: Highly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Frontiers in Immunology (2017) 8:1487. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487
3 Mamber SW, Gurel V, Lins J, et al. Effects of Cannabis Oil Extract on Immune Response Gene Expression in Human Small Airway epithelial cells (HSAEpC): implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Journal of Cannabis Research (2020) 2:5. doi.org/10.1186/s42238-019-0014-9
4 Sexton, Michelle.Cannabis in the Time of Coronavirus Disease 2019: The Yin and Yang of the Endocannabinoid System in Immunocompetence. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2020) 26:444–448. doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0144
5 Shemer, Simona. Israeli Researchers Say Medical Cannabis Could Effectively Treat Some. COVID-19 Symptoms. Nocamels (2020). https://nocamels.com/2020/06/israel-researchers-rambam-campus-cannabis-covid19/
6 Hegde VL, Singh UP, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Critical Role of Mast Cells and Peroxisome Proliferator−Activated Receptor γ in the Induction of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Marijuana Cannabidiol In Vivo. Journal of Immunology (2015) 194:5211-5222. doi.org/ 10.4049/jimmunol.1401844
7 Alshaarawy, Omayma. Total and differential white blood cell count in cannabis users: results from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2016. Journal of Cannabis Research (2019) 1:6. doi.org/10.1186/s42238-019-0007-8
8 Graziosi, Graig. Cannabis extracts may help to prevent coronavirus, preliminary study suggests. Independent (2020) 22:45. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/marijuana-coronavirus-prevention-weed-cannabis-covid-19-canada-study-a9521166.html
[1] Manuzak JA, Gott TM, Kirkwood JS, et al. Heavy Cannabis Use Associated with Reduction in Activated and Inflammatory Immune Cell Frequencies in Antiretroviral Therapy–Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Individuals. Clinical Infectious Diseases (2018) 66:1872-82. doi.org/10.1093/cid/cix1116
[2] Oláh A, Szekanecz Z, Bíró T. Targeting Cannabinoid Signaling in the Immune System: Highly Exciting Questions, Possibilities, and Challenges. Frontiers in Immunology (2017) 8:1487. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01487
[3] Mamber SW, Gurel V, Lins J, et al. Effects of Cannabis Oil Extract on Immune Response Gene Expression in Human Small Airway epithelial cells (HSAEpC): implications for chronic obstructive