Δ9-THC reversed inflammation-induced damage to the airway epithelial barrier in laboratory experiments. TNFα increased the permeability of airway epithelial cells, making the barrier more “leaky,” while THC restored barrier integrity.

The effect was mediated through CB2 cannabinoid receptors. When CB2 signaling was blocked, THC lost its protective effect, showing that CB2 activation played a central role in reversing the TNFα-induced increase in airway permeability.

These findings suggest that THC may help protect the airway lining during inflammatory stress by strengthening the epithelial barrier rather than simply reducing symptoms. That makes the study especially relevant to respiratory conditions where inflammation disrupts normal airway function.

“Despite pharmacological treatment, bronchial hyperresponsiveness continues to deteriorate as airway remodelling persists in airway inflammation.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the phytocannabinoid Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reverses bronchoconstriction with an anti-inflammatory action.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of THC on bronchial epithelial cell permeability after exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFα. Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells were cultured at air-liquid interface.

These data indicate that THC prevents cytokine-induced increase in airway epithelial permeability through CB₂ receptor activation.

This highlights that THC, or other cannabinoid receptor ligands, could be beneficial in the prevention of inflammation-induced changes in airway epithelial cell permeability, an important feature of airways diseases.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27641813

“These data indicate that THC prevents cytokine-induced increase in airway epithelial permeability through CB₂ receptor activation. This highlights that THC, or other cannabinoid receptor ligands, could be beneficial in the prevention of inflammation-induced changes in airway epithelial cell permeability, an important feature of airways diseases.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295216302878?via%3Dihub

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