Clearing the Fog
Myths and Facts About Cannabis Therapy for Winter Immune Boosting
Cannabis therapy has been making headlines for its potential health benefits, yet myths and misunderstandings abound. Especially when it comes to boosting our immune system during the chilly winter months, it’s easy to get lost in the fog of misinformation. Let’s shine a light on some of these myths and see what science really has to say about cannabis and our immune health.
Myth 1: Cannabis weakens your immune system
A common worry is that using cannabis might actually harm your immune system. This idea comes from some older studies suggesting cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, might suppress immune functions. But wait! More recent research paints a more nuanced picture.
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps keep our bodies in balance. The ECS influences many things, including how our immune system works. While it’s true that high doses of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) might suppress some immune responses, CBD (cannabidiol) has the opposite effect. It can help modulate immune responses, potentially reducing inflammation and helping the immune system stay balanced.
Myth 2: Cannabis is a cure-all for winter illnesses
As winter approaches, the season of colds and flu, some might claim that cannabis can ward off these bugs. While cannabis has some impressive properties, like reducing inflammation, it’s not a magical shield against the common cold or flu.
Sure, cannabis can help manage symptoms of chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and many others. However, expecting it to prevent or cure every winter sniffle and cough isn’t realistic. It’s essential to have balanced expectations and recognise that, while cannabis can support health, it’s not a catch-all cure.
Myth 3: All cannabis products are the same
The cannabis market offers a dizzying array of products, from oils and edibles to topicals and vapes. A common myth is that all these products work equally well. In truth, the effectiveness of cannabis can vary significantly based on the product type, its cannabinoid profile and how you consume it.
For instance, smoking or vaping delivers cannabinoids quickly to your bloodstream, leading to faster effects but also posing potential respiratory risks — something to consider during the winter flu season. On the other hand, edibles and oils provide slower, longer-lasting relief, which might be better for chronic conditions needing sustained treatment. Whichever delivery mechanism and product you choose, always seek the highest possible quality.
Myth 4: More THC means better immune support
Many people think that higher THC levels mean better therapeutic outcomes, including for the immune system. However, this isn’t necessarily true. THC is just one of many cannabinoids in cannabis and its psychoactive effects don’t directly translate to immune benefits.
In fact, CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids often offer significant health benefits without the high. CBD, for example, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that support immune health without the potential drawbacks of high-THC products. However, for CBD to work its best, it needs a to contain a little bit of THC.
How cannabis can help during winter
Winter brings its own set of challenges, from colds and flu to increased stress and less sunlight. While cannabis isn’t a cure-all, it can still play a helpful role in maintaining your health during these colder months.
Chronic inflammation is a common thread in many immune-related conditions. Cannabis, especially CBD-rich strains, has shown impressive anti-inflammatory effects. This can be particularly useful in winter when conditions like arthritis can flare up.
Winter can also mean more stress and disrupted sleep patterns, both of which can weaken the immune system. Cannabinoids like CBD are known to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, which can indirectly support your immune health by ensuring your body gets the rest it needs to repair and defend itself.
While cannabis has potential benefits, be mindful of how you use it, especially during winter when respiratory illnesses are more common. Smoking or vaping can irritate your lungs, but some studies show that it actually kills certain pathogens. If you’re looking to support your immune system without risking respiratory issues, consider alternatives like oils, tinctures, or edibles.
A holistic approach to winter wellness
If you’re thinking about using cannabis to boost your immune system this winter, it’s best to integrate it into a broader, healthy lifestyle.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for a strong immune system. Focus on antioxidant-rich foods like organic fruits and vegetables and include omega-3 fatty acids from sources like hemp seeds, fish and flaxseeds to reduce inflammation.
Regular exercise boosts immune function by promoting good circulation, helping immune cells move freely throughout the body. Even moderate activities like walking or Yoga can have significant benefits.
Staying hydrated is especially important in winter. Proper hydration supports the mucous membranes in your respiratory tract, which are your first line of defense against pathogens.
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques can help keep stress in check.
In conclusion, cannabis therapy shows promise for supporting immune health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties. However, it’s important to debunk the myths and approach cannabis with clear, realistic expectations. It’s not a cure-all and its effectiveness can vary depending on the product and how you use it.
During winter, when your immune system needs all the help it can get, combining cannabis with a balanced diet, regular exercise, good hydration and stress management offers a comprehensive approach to staying healthy. And, as always, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy to ensure it’s right for you.
Understanding the true potential of cannabis therapy allows you to make informed decisions and potentially harness its benefits to support your immune health throughout the winter and beyond.
Cian McClelland is the CEO of Druids Garden, a leading health and wellness company that produces nutraceuticals inspired by traditional medicines from Africa and Asia. Druids has a medicinal cannabis R&D permit, a medical cannabis licence and a psilocybin R&D permit. Website: https://druids.garden
