Cannabis for Inflammation: CBD, THC, and What the Evidence Shows
Cannabis may curb inflammation through CBD and THC, but human evidence is limited. Learn product types, dosing basics, and safety.
CBD vs THC for Inflammation: The Short Answer
CBD is the first pick when you want less inflammation and no impairment. THC is the first pick when inflammation comes with pain that breaks sleep or appetite, and impairment is acceptable.
Both compounds act on the endocannabinoid system. They do not act the same way.
How to Use Cannabis for Inflammation: A Step-by-Step Guide
How each compound works
THC binds CB1 and CB2 receptors as a partial agonist. CB1 receptors sit in the brain and spinal cord, which is why THC causes impairment. CB2 receptors sit on immune cells such as macrophages and B cells. CB2 activation lowers release of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 in cell and animal models.
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CBD binds CB1 and CB2 with low affinity. Its routes are indirect. CBD inhibits FAAH, the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. CBD also acts at TRPV1, a receptor tied to pain signaling. CBD blocks some CYP450 enzymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, which changes blood levels of other drugs.
What the human evidence shows
Most anti-inflammatory data comes from mouse models and cell cultures. Human trials are small and few. Nabiximols, a 1:1 THC to CBD spray, is approved in some countries for multiple sclerosis spasticity, not for inflammation as a stand-alone claim. The FDA approved Epidiolex, a purified CBD liquid, for three seizure disorders. That approval does not cover inflammation.
Unknown: the dose of CBD or THC that lowers inflammation markers in healthy adults. No trial has set that number.
Pick first: CBD-dominant products
Choose CBD when you need to work, drive, or stay alert. Start at 10 mg to 25 mg per dose. Epidiolex trials used 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg per day, far above retail doses.
Choose THC, or a 1:1 ratio, when pain is the main problem
THC adds analgesia through CB1. US edibles often hold 2.5 mg to 10 mg THC per piece. State rules cap packages at 100 mg in most legal markets. THC is Schedule I under federal law. Impairment lasts 4 to 6 hours after inhalation and 6 to 8 hours or more after oral use.
Options to compare
- CBD isolate: 99% CBD, no THC, no other cannabinoids. Dose 10 mg to 50 mg.
- Broad spectrum CBD: CBD plus minor cannabinoids, THC removed.
- Full spectrum CBD: CBD with up to 0.3% THC. Hemp-derived under the 2018 Farm Bill.
- 1:1 THC to CBD: equal parts. Common in tinctures and vape carts.
- THC dominant: 20:1 THC to CBD or higher. Highest impairment risk.
Side effects and checks
CBD side effects: dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, liver enzyme rises at high doses. THC side effects: rapid heart rate, anxiety, short-term memory loss, impaired driving. Both can add to sedatives and blood thinners. Check state law before purchase. Label accuracy varies. Third-party lab tests list cannabinoid content per batch.