Can Cannabidiol Prevent and Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders? What Experts Have to Say

Many individuals seek out a “cannabis store near me” to purchase marijuana, whether for managing their condition or simply for recreational purposes. People commonly know that cannabis products potentially benefit in relieving symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you ever considered its effects on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabinoids in the plant interact through the endocannabinoid system in the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain medications can help in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• Cannabis Sativa serves various purposes, but most people recognize it for its recreational and medical applications.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and Cannabis Plant

The dietary effects of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health are widely acknowledged. Certain diets show the potential to prevent or mitigate various GI pathologies. Scientists identified, isolated, and evaluated the food components responsible for these effects.

Among the plant-derived nutraceuticals potentially beneficial for treating GI disorders are those derived from cannabis. Cannabis refers to preparations sourced from the Cannabis Sativa plant, an aromatic annual flowering herb.

John M. McPartland concluded in a scientific review that the family Cannabaceae encompasses the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. Within the Cannabis genus, sativa comprises three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. It is noteworthy that depending on the variety, Cannabis sativa serves various purposes, such as fibre production, oil extraction from the seeds, and primarily, recreational or medicinal applications.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are preset throughout various areas and systems, both within and beyond the GI tract, which are pertinent to regulating GI functions. Because of the presence of cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, help modulate GI functions across health and disease conditions. ECS plays a role in regulating motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS has various contributing factors, commonly affecting 10–20% of people in developed nations. It manifests as functional gastrointestinal disturbances without identifiable organic origins.

The amplification of the antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids in the presence of inflammation underscores the significance of the ECS in the manifestation of visceral hypersensitivity. This finding not only sheds light on the mechanisms underlying conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also hints at promising therapeutic avenues for alleviating abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone might not offer significant relief in reducing visceral hypersensitivity among IBS patients. Exploring combinations with other pain-modulating agents, like opioids, presents an intriguing alternative avenue worth considering.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD, such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is an intricate condition of the GI tract. These diseases stem from environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors.

Cannabidiol demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory effects across various models of intestinal inflammation in mice and rats, as highlighted in a study in the Journal of Frontiers in Pharmacology. Both local and systemic administration of CBD showed a dose-dependent improvement in disease indicators:

• The reduction of structural damage
• The mitigation of inflammation-related increases in various cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers.

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal suggests that the primary finding of their investigation was the challenging tolerability of the botanical extract, with 90% of patients reporting treatment-related adverse effects compared to 48% receiving the placebo. 

A tendency emerged toward enhanced quality of life scores and a positive shift in patients’ overall impression of change, as per the per-protocol analysis. The authors speculate that the CBD-rich botanical extract might have therapeutic advantages to those patients who could endure its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

GI cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), stand out as some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the general populace.

Various studies have evidenced CBD’s antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer models. CBD can safeguard DNA from oxidative stress, enhance endocannabinoid levels, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties came through the examination of in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. CBD at a dosage of 1 mg/kg resulted in a notable reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumours and polyps dropped by 66% and 57%, respectively. Increasing the concentration to 5 mg/kg showed efficacy primarily in preventing the formation of polyps.

THC triggers apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the CB1 receptor.

Nausea and Vomiting

Positive effects of CBD occur when paired with THC, as indicated in a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. CBD’s anti-nausea and anti-emetic properties could be by the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors potentially leads to a decrease in the release of 5-HT in specific forebrain regions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids hinder transient LES relaxations via a CB1-dependent mechanism in both dogs and ferrets, as reported in a study from the Journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. These findings hold significance as transient LES relaxations constitute the primary mechanism underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Cannabis Sativa for GI Issues

Conclusion

Multiple studies indicate that the benefits of cannabinoids apply not only to the well-known psychoactive compound THC but also to non-psychoactive molecules like CBD and others, which have received comparatively less scrutiny. The cannabis plant influences the GI system by interacting with the ECS to trigger multiple functions that can assist in managing symptoms of certain GI conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you expect when buying from online cannabis stores?

1. Accessing your weed products in Canada from an online store opens up many options featuring both timeless favourites and new products.
2. You can anticipate additional benefits such as special offers, reliable payment methods, and shipping options covering most provinces.
3. Essential resources, such as a blog section or contact page, are available to provide customers with insights or assistance during their shopping experience.
4. As part of the purchase process, you’ll need to verify or confirm your age by presenting identification.
5. Some stores include the taxes on their products in the total price, while others will compute it at checkout.
6. Some dispensaries accept online payment like Interac E-Transfer, while others allow cash on delivery.

What is the measurement unit when buying from a cannabis website?

There are two primary forms of measurement: metric and imperial units. On a cannabis site, you’ll encounter measurements in grams or ounces, which allows you to find products like 3.5 grams or 1/8 ounces.

What distinguishes cannabis for medical use from that used recreationally?

Medical cannabis and recreational cannabis originate from the same plant species, yet their divergent effects and intended applications set them apart. Medical cannabis serves as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, with a richer CBD composition compared to its recreational counterpart.

Are there ready-made joints available in a cannabis store?

Yes. These are in the form of pre-rolls. Cannabis pre-rolls, or pre-rolled joints and blunts, are convenient options for those who prefer their cannabis ready to use. There’s a rising trend in the popularity of pre-rolled joints infused with cannabis concentrates.

Do cannabis online stores have a physical shop?

Not all online stores maintain physical locations, which means you can have your purchases delivered directly to your doorstep rather than needing to pick them up from a physical outlet after placing an online order.