Presence and functional regulation of cannabinoid receptors in immune cells.

In the last 30 years studies on drug-abusing humans and animals injected with cannabinoids, as well as in vitro models employing immune cell cultures, have demonstrated that marijuana and cannabinoids are immunomodulators. Both types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, have been found in immune cells, suggesting they are important in mediating the effects of cannabinoids on the immune system. This article reviews the data on the function and distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the immune system and their involvement in the immunomodulatory effect of these substances.