This morning, I was unfortunate enough to wake, up with a full blown cold. I’d been trying to fight it off for the past few days, but to no avail. I woke up with a sore throat, blocked nose, tinnitus in my ears and a heavy head. It got me think if smoking weed could help alleviate some of the symptoms. I’d decided I do some research to find out.
As we all know there is no cure for the common cold, but scientific research has found that marijuana can help to relieve pain and open up airways in the lungs. However, it can also make mucus and coughs worse for some people.
How you consume marijuana, how often you use it and the type of cold you have, can all cause marijuana to have different effects on your cold symptoms.
Can cannabis relieve the symptoms of a cold
The common cold is a contagious viral infection caused by roughly 200 different strains of the virus. When these viruses enter the body, they attack the mucous membranes of the nose throat, mouth and sometimes the lungs. The body’s immune system will fight the virus in all of these areas, causing inflammation and an overproduction of mucus. This is what causes the cold and flu like symptoms.
There is some evidence that cannabis can help to ease the coughing, congestion and pain you feel whilst you are sick. You may or may not be aware of the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. Research shows that cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG and CBC can all help reduce inflammation within the body. Some of the terpenes in cannabis, including linalool, limonene and eucalyptol all have anti-inflammatory potential as well.
The human body’s attempt to fight cold and flu viruses automatically causes inflammation in the throat, sinuses, nose and lungs. The cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis may help drive down inflammation in these areas and therefore relieve symptoms such as runny or congested nose.
Many people also find their cold symptoms make it hard for them to fall asleep. Marijuana can help you get a better nights rest, which in turn speeds up the healing process.
How cannabis affects the immune system
Current research is unable to show how cannabis affects the human immune system.
Some studies show that cannabinoids suppress the immune system, which is what gives them their anti-inflammatory effect. A less active immune system, translates to less inflammation. However, it important to remember that acute inflammation is a necessary bodily process and a sign that our immune system i actively fighting a threat in our body.
Other studies have shown that cannabis can boost the immune system when necessary. HIV/AIDS, for example, is underlined by immunodeficiency that gets worse over time. Research indicates that cannabis can help strengthen the immune system of people with HIV/AIDS by increasing the number of T cells. This suggests that cannabis may be able to help strengthen the immune system when the body needs it, such as when fighting an immediate threat like a cold virus.
Cannabis, Echinacea and the Common Cold
Echinacea is a genus of pant used to make health supplements that are commonly used to reduce symptom, severity and duration of the cold and flu. Studies show that Echinacea can help significantly boost the immune system during a cold, as well as reduce its symptoms.
Echinacea contains a variety of alkylamides that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Many of the compounds found in cannabis also interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, when the immune system is fighting a cold or flu. This suggest that stimulating the endocannabinoid system may play an important role in helping our bodies fight cold and flu viruses.
How to consume cannabis when you have a cold?
It’s important to note that if you’re planning on using cannabis when you have cold or flu like symptoms, it probably best to avoid smoking it. Inhaling from a joint, pipe or bong could irritate your throat and lungs and increase inflammation in these areas.
Instead you should consider using vaporizers, as this method doesn’t put direct fire on the plant which means you get to inhale and savour the healthy components and eliminate the negative particles associated with smoking.
Another form of consumption is through edibles. You can take it in oil form or as a drink, which will enable you to take in the ‘superfood’ components of cannabis such as omega 3 fatty acids that help strength your immune system.
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Stoners does not condone, advocate or promote licit or illicit drug use. Stoners cannot be held responsible for material from references on our pages or on pages to which we provide links, which condone, advocate or promote licit or illicit drug use or illegal activities. Please consult your Doctor/Health care Practitioner before using any products/methods listed, referenced or linked to on this website.
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