Besides recreational use, cannabis and its derived products have proven useful for treating human diseases.
Gastrointestinal disorders are among the major conditions that cannabis has been proven to treat. These include inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease (CD) and colitis, as well as functional bowel diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
While diet and pharmacological drugs may be able to regulate some gastrointestinal disorders, others don’t respond well to this form of treatment. This article delves into how cannabis can effectively treat gastrointestinal disorders.
Effects of Cannabis on Gastrointestinal Health
Here are some of the effects of cannabis on stomach health.
Stimulation of Appetite
- THC can stimulate appetite. This is helpful for people with gastric disorders like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) or cancer-related cachexia that cause reduced appetite or weight loss.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- THC and CBD, two cannabinoids found in cannabis, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate inflammation. This can help people with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or gastritis.
- According to studies, cannabis can relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, and stomach pain. This is explained by its capacity to reduce intestinal inflammation and regulate the immunological response.
Regulation of Motility
- Cannabis can help control gastrointestinal motility for ailments including functional constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- CBD can also normalize intestinal motility, which may aid with diarrhea. This, however, is dependent on the dosage and strain used.
Reduces Vomiting and Nausea
- It is well known that cannabis, especially THC, can temporarily cure nausea and vomiting.
- This characteristic makes it beneficial for people with gastrointestinal disorders such as functional dyspepsia, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or gastroparesis.
Pain Relief
- A typical symptom of many gastrointestinal disorders is abdominal pain. Cannabis produces analgesic effects that relieve pain by connecting with cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
Intestinal Conditions Where Cannabis Can Be Helpful
Cannabis effectively manages gastrointestinal conditions because of how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Here are some intestinal conditions where cannabis is most effective.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease refers to the inflammation of tissues in the digestive system.
- IBD types include ulcerative colitis, which affects the lining of the colon and rectum. Another type is Crohn’s disease, which affects the digestive tract, mostly the small intestine.
- Studies also show that cannabis is safe and effective for Crohn’s disease patients. According to statistics, persons with Crohn’s disease who use whole-plant cannabis over an extended period report feeling better and using fewer prescription drugs.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, and altered bowel habits.
- Research shows that patients with IBS who have a history of cannabis usage are less likely to have endoscopic procedures, stay in the hospital for shorter periods, and pay less for hospitalization.
- Cannabis can also manage anxiety and stress associated with IBS.
Gastrointestinal Cancers
- These cancers include small intestine cancer and colorectal cancer.
- Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and severe abdominal pain.
- A recent study showed that CBD has antiploriferative effects on some models of colorectal cancer.
- CBD and THC reduce pain associated with cancer.
- THC stimulates appetite and helps prevent cachexia.
- Cannabis also reduces vomiting and nausea brought on by chemotherapy.
Gastroparesis
- Gastroparesis causes abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, blotting, early satiety, and other stomach discomforts.
- Patients with this condition use cannabis to alleviate the symptoms.
- Cannabis reduces inflammation and sensation by connecting to peripheral cannabinoid type 2 receptors.
Final Thoughts
Compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, medical cannabis offers substantial relief from persistent symptoms and a lower risk of side effects and dependency, making it a promising alternative for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
With research concentrating on its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and motility-regulating abilities, cannabis has a bright future in treating stomach issues. It is anticipated that advancements in clinical research, tailored medicine, and cannabis formulations will increase its efficacy and offer safer, more precise treatments for ailments like IBS and IBD.