“Cannabinoids are compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant, as well as produced endogenously in the brain and by immune cells. Cannabinoids mediate their effect through cannabinoid receptors (CB), designated CB1 and CB2, which belong to a superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors.
CB1 receptors are expressed at high levels in CNS, where they regulate psychoactivity. CB1 receptors are also expressed on immune cells. In contrast, the CB2 receptors are primarily expressed on immune cells and do not contribute to the psychoactivity. The presence of endogenous CB-ligand systems in immune cells suggests that they may play a critical physiological role, the precise nature of which remains to be characterized.
Cannabinoids can decrease the immune response… Cannabinoids have also been widely used in the treatment of pain and inflammation.
Moreover, preliminary studies have shown the possible use of cannabinoids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Recent studies from our lab demonstrated that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can trigger apoptosis in vivo in thymocytes and splenocytes, which may account for immunosuppression.
We demonstrate for the first time that THC and endocannabinoids such as anandamide can induce apoptosis in DCs through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
These studies provide the basis for understanding the mechanism by which THC triggers immunosuppression and mediates anti-inflammatory properties.
Many studies have suggested the use of THC or related cannabinoids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.”