Cellular and molecular studies have shown that CBD acts on the immune system to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically, it reduces levels of cytokines, chemical messengers that normally signal inflammation in the body. These emerging of effects of cannabis on inflammation have led to the concept of the “endocannabinoidome” – a system comprised of complex interactions between immune and endocannabinoid biological networks. Cannabis-based therapies can, therefore, be used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and CBD may represent a new class of anti-inflammatory agents.
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