Before exploring CBD's interactions with our bodies, let us briefly examine the immune system. Simply put, it tracks bacteria and viruses entering the body, especially harmful foreign visitors, and actively fights them.

As it develops, the immune system also closely monitors malignant cells. Your body may be producing cancerous cells right now without your knowledge. Thanks to immunity, you remain unaware: the system tracks and destroys small cancers.

Like any physiological system, immunity is complex. It includes specialized cells in the skin, bloodstream, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and oromucosal tissues in the mouth and cheeks. White blood cells, a key component, target pathogens and the cancers mentioned earlier.

The immune system and COVID-19

If immunity is so effective, why does it respond poorly to COVID-19? Because this was a new virus. Having never identified it before, the immune system needed time to adapt and develop defenses.

One feature making COVID-19 deadly is its ability to trigger an excessive immune reaction called a cytokine storm. The body overreacts, becomes inflamed and then overreacts to that inflammation, creating a vicious cycle. Failure to stop it properly causes serious problems.

One thing known about CBD is that it may quiet an overactive immune system. Does that mean it could help the body respond appropriately to COVID-19? We do not yet know. Nevertheless, what research has taught us about CBD should not prevent consideration of these possibilities.

First, CBD may help specialized immune cells called B cells remain alert to new demands. B cells counter pathogens and antigens by releasing specific antibodies, acting like immune firefighters. Researchers describe them as an important component fighting invaders in the short term.

B cells help the body adapt to challenges by releasing powerful antibodies. B cells and their antibodies bind invading antigens, essentially disabling them. Their function places them within the adaptive immune system.

How might CBD help immunity?

Research at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine found communication between the endocannabinoid and immune systems to optimize B-cell function. Theoretically, anything strengthening the endocannabinoid system could strengthen B cells too.

CBD may also improve lung function in some circumstances. A Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group study in mice with a particular lung injury concluded that cannabidiol improved lung function and inflammation in LPS-induced acute lung injury. Therapeutically administered CBD had strong anti-inflammatory effects during an ongoing inflammatory process while improving lung function. The researchers said current and previous findings suggested cannabidiol might become a useful therapeutic tool for relieving and treating inflammatory lung disease.

Another CBD study at Mississippi State University's Department of Basic Sciences, discussed earlier that year, suggested CBD could:

  • Reduce cytokine levels
  • Activate harmful cell death
  • Reduce oxidative stress
  • Reduce inflammation associated with certain immune activities

CBD may also calm excessive immune activity. A South Carolina School of Medicine study concluded that endocannabinoids such as 2-AG are critical immune-response regulators and that externally administered 2-AG reduces T- and B-cell-dependent responses in hypersensitivity and autoimmunity models. In everyday language, increasing endocannabinoid levels appears to regulate immunity. Readers of our previous articles may guess what increases these compounds best: phytocannabinoids!

Discussing phytocannabinoids takes us beyond CBD. According to McMaster University research in Canada, the phytocannabinoid CBG showed remarkable activity against pathogenic bacteria. Researchers were impressed enough to investigate cannabinoids as natural antibiotics.

Although promising, these findings require further research, scientists emphasize. Remember that no clinical evidence demonstrated CBD could treat COVID-19, and this information should not be considered medical advice. We wish you good health.