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Chapter 9 - Cannabinoids and Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders

from Section 2 - Potential Therapeutic Uses of Cannabinoids in Clinical Practice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 October 2020

Steven James
Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego
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Summary

The immune system is a complex system and an essential function critical for good health and survival. Cannabinoid-based treatments hold great promise for future therapeutic uses although our clinical knowledge remains very limited. In this chapter we will review selected preclinical and clinical information that may provide the clinician some insight about the future development of cannabinoids to treat immune diseases. Patients are constantly aware through the internet of numerous anecdotal reports and promotional claims about cannabinoids as remedies and appropriately ask their doctor about recommendations. In such situations the clinician should be aware that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Canada Health and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have yet to approve any cannabinoid for use in the treatment of immune-related illness.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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