Auto-immune diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines etc.)

Our immune system is designed to identify and kill anything that is considered as “foreign” to our body. This plays a very crucial role in preserving the body against invading organism. In auto-immunity, the body starts fighting against its own tissues thereby destroying it.

There is a gamut of conditions that come under auto-immune disorders and we are adding a new one every day to this list. Broadly speaking all auto-immune conditions come with generalized inflammation, pain and vague symptomatology.

Cannabinoids are known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, even more than vitamin C or vitamin E (tocopherol). Both CB1 and CB2 receptors can be found in the sinovial membrane (membrane covering the joint space). A randomised placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of cannabis on RA pain concluded that there is significant improvement in pain, movement and sleep quality in the group that was given cannabis as opposed to the placebo group in just 5 weeks. Several animal studies have already shown disease-modifying properties of cannabinoids as well. CBD has also been found to increase the expression of genes that deal with oxidative stress, which may reduce cell damage from autoimmune attacks.
Based on current research, cannabis therapies may provide benefit for autoimmune disease in three basic ways: modulation of the immune system, decreasing general inflammation, and helping to assist the digestive system.
Oral drops, sprays have been used in studies. Local applications (creams/ oils) can work better because skin absorption is better and the action is more local. A 2016 animal study found that applying topical CBD may help with arthritis-related pain and swelling. A combination therapy can also work wonders in resistant arthritis.

References:
Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. D R Blake et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2006 Jan;45(1):50-2. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kei183. Epub 2005 Nov 9.
Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. Torsten Lowin et al. Cell Death Dis. 2020 Aug; 11(8): 714. Published online 2020 Sep 1. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-02892-1

Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ethan B Russo. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Feb; 4(1): 245–259. Published online 2008 Feb. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s1928
https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/molecular-mimicry-role-cannabis-healing-autoimmune-disease