# Cannabidiol may enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in multiple myeloma

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-may-enhance-the-effectiveness-of-immunotherapy-in-multiple-myeloma/
> **Published:** 2020-10-20T14:05:32-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-08-31T15:13:15-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** High Expression of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 on Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells and Multiple Myeloma Cells In Summary Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cells, and is one of the most common blood cancers. MM can be effectively treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; however, a subset of patients do suffer relapse after the […]

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### High Expression of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 on Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells and Multiple Myeloma Cells

In Summary

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cells, and is one of the most common blood cancers. MM can be effectively treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; however, a subset of patients do suffer relapse after the transplant. Recent medical advancement has identified transfusion of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells as a potential follow-up treatment option with high effectiveness and low toxicity in such cases. CIK is a heterogeneous population of immune cells that is artificially generated.

For a long time, cannabidiol (CBD) has been known to modulate the [immune system](https://cedclinic.com/fungal-contamination-cannabis-risks-arizona-preroll-recall/) through the activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which is expressed in high levels in the hematopoietic system. Recently, research has suggested that [CB2 receptors](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-receptor-type-2-schizophrenia/) are, as expected, abundant in both CIK immune cells and in myeloma tumor cells. In models of MM, CBD is found to have a protective role for CIK and to help decrease the viability of tumor cells. The exact mechanism of the interactions between CBD, CB2 receptors on CIK cells, and MM tumor cells, however, remains to be elucidated.

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).