Unusual Treatment for IBD

Hey everyone-

I found an article about an unusual treatment for IBD. Apparently, cannabis can alleviate symptoms of IBD. A group did some research on why, and they had some interesting findings. They looked at two specific receptors in the gut, CB1 and CB2, which are activated by cannabis. CB1 is present in healthy individuals, but CB2 is more prevalent in people that suffer from IBD. CB2 levels actually increase as the disease progresses.

CB2 might be linked to apoptosis, and to suppressing an overactive immune system. Therefore activating this receptor might reduce inflammation by getting rid of excess cells. CB1 is associated with wound healing in the gut.

However, they are not looking to use "herbal cannabis" as a treatment because of its legality. There are molecules called "endocannabinoids" that occur naturally in our bodies, so fiddling with this built-in system is the probable path to be pursued in cannabis based treatment of IBD.

Here is the article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/28584.php