What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: CBD, Pain, Inflammation, Endocannabinoid.

Where was this research published?

Published in JCI insight on January 9, 2026.

CBD's complex immune effects offer hope for transplant pain relief

Q: What did this research study find?

**37% reduction in T cell proliferation** and **17% reduction in CD70hi B cells** when treated with *CBD*, demonstrating antiproliferative immunomodulatory effects

Cannabidiol exerts antiinflammatory effects but maintains T effector memory cell differentiation in humans.

JCI insight • January 9, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This groundbreaking study examined how cannabidiol (CBD) affects the immune system in humans, particularly in transplant recipients who need pain management but have limited safe options. Researchers gave 23 participants oral CBD (Epidiolex) for 11 days and analyzed their immune cells before and after treatment using advanced single-cell analysis techniques. The findings revealed a nuanced profile: CBD reduced T cell and B cell proliferation by 37% and 17% respectively, and when combined with tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant used in transplant patients), it produced additive immunosuppressive effects.

The immune response to CBD proved surprisingly complex. While the drug demonstrated antiinflammatory properties—reducing key inflammatory molecules like TNF-α and IL-2—it simultaneously increased the proportion of T effector memory cells by 22%, which actually correlate with immune readiness. Single-cell analysis showed that CBD altered how immune cells communicate through receptor-ligand networks, reducing critical inflammatory signaling pathways. The study also found elevated levels of both pro-inflammatory IL-6 and anti-inflammatory IL-10, suggesting CBD doesn't simply suppress immunity across the board.

The practical significance lies in understanding CBD's safety profile for immunocompromised patients like transplant recipients. This study demonstrates that CBD exerts mixed immunomodulatory effects—it can reduce unwanted inflammation and cell proliferation while maintaining important immune memory functions. This balanced approach could make CBD a viable pain management option for transplant populations who have few alternatives, though further clinical studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.

💡 Key Findings

37% reduction in T cell proliferation and 17% reduction in CD70hi B cells when treated with CBD, demonstrating antiproliferative immunomodulatory effects

High

92%

22% increase in T effector memory cells post-CBD that correlated with plasma CBD concentrations (R = 0.77), indicating dose-dependent immune memory preservation

High

88%

CBD produced additive immunosuppressive effects with tacrolimus, suggesting potential benefits for transplant recipients requiring dual immunomodulation

High

85%

Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed reduced IL2 and TNF signaling but elevated both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating CBD's mixed immunomodulatory profile

High

84%

CBD reduced key inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, LTA, and IL-2) while maintaining immune memory functions, offering a balanced anti-inflammatory approach suitable for immunocompromised populations

High

86%

📄 Original Abstract

BACKGROUNDCannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly used for pain management, including in transplant recipients with limited analgesic options. Its immunomodulatory effects in humans are not well defined at a single-cell level at CBD steady state with concomitant tacrolimus treatment.METHODSIn a phase I ex vivo study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 23 participants who received oral CBD (Epidiolex) up to 5 mg/kg twice daily for 11 days were collected before CBD (pre-CBD) and at steady state (post-CBD). Lymphocytes were isolated and stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, with or without tacrolimus (5 ng/mL). Pharmacodynamic responses were assessed using CellTiter-Glo proliferation, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, cytokine assays, and flow cytometry. Steady-state plasma concentrations of CBD were quantified via tandem mass spectrometry.RESULTSWe identified an increased proportion of T effector memory (TEM) cells post-CBD (22% increase), which correlated with CBD plasma concentrations (R = 0.77, P = 0.01). CBD reduced proliferation of T (37% decrease) and CD70hi B (17% decrease) lymphocytes with additive immunosuppressive effects to tacrolimus. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed reduced IL2 and TNF signaling and altered receptor-ligand networks in TEM cells. Post-CBD cytokine assays revealed elevated proinflammatory IL-6 protein levels and antiinflammatory IL-10 levels, with reduced TNF-α, LTA, and IL-2. In flow cytometry, the proportion of TEM and TEMRA cells increased post-CBD with tacrolimus.CONCLUSIONCBD exerts mixed immunomodulatory effects in humans, combining antiproliferative and pro- and antiinflammatory responses. Understanding the clinical safety of CBD use is important given the paucity of pain control options available for immunocompromised transplant populations.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT05490511FUNDINGNIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (R01AT011463); NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (R35GM145383); Intramural Research Program of the NIH; NIH/NIGMS (T32GM008425).