# Cannabis Sativa Revisited: Role of Cannabinoid Receptors > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-receptors-type-1-and-2-sepsis-response/ > **Published:** 2021-03-16T14:24:15-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:11-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore how cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 influence inflammation and oxidative stress in critically ill sepsis patients. --- ### Crosstalk between microRNA Expression, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endocannabinoid Response System in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis ​In Summary The [cannabinoid receptors](https://cedclinic.com/citral-cannabinoid-receptor-2-activation-pain-relief/) type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) can be activated by phytocannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in the plant cannabis, endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) produced by our bodies, as well as [synthetic cannabinoids](https://cedclinic.com/synthetic-cannabinoid-parkinsons-trial-ser-252-funding/). Different lines of research have documented the effects of activations of these receptors on immune responses, inflammatory responses, and redox activities. Sepsis, the body’s extreme responses to infection by virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite that can ultimately lead to multisystem failure, initially involves simultaneous immune responses, inflammatory responses, and redox activities in multiple organ systems. Therefore, it is not surprising that the endocannabinoid signaling system has an intricate link to the body’s molecular and cellular reactions during sepsis. First, activation of CB1 and CB2 can reduce production of immunomodulating agents called cytokines by immune cells in many organs, but especially the microglial cells responsible for immune responses in the brain. Second, activation of these receptors can decrease reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide synthase, key signaling molecules in redox activity and oxidative stress. Altogether, the cannabinoid signaling system helps alleviate inflammatory responses in multiple organs, for example, in the brain, as well as the endothelium – the layer of cells that line blood vessels. [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cannabis%20Sativa%20Revisited%3A%20Role%20of%20Cannabinoid%20Receptors&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoid-receptors-type-1-and-2-sepsis-response%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoid-receptors-type-1-and-2-sepsis-response%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Cannabis%20Sativa%20Revisited%3A%20Role%20of%20Cannabinoid%20Receptors%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoid-receptors-type-1-and-2-sepsis-response%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), 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).