Can Cannabidiol Help Prevent and Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders? Insights from Experts

Many individuals look for a “cannabis store near me” to acquire marijuana, whether for managing their condition or for recreational enjoyment. It is widely understood that cannabis products may help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you ever thought about its impact on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

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

Gastrointestinal Disorders and cannabis Plant

The beneficial dietary effects of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health are well recognized. Certain diets have shown the potential to prevent or alleviate various GI issues. Researchers have identified, isolated, and assessed the food components responsible for these effects.

Among the plant-based nutraceuticals that may aid in treating GI disorders are those derived from cannabis. Cannabis refers to products sourced from the cannabis Sativa plant, an aromatic annual flowering herb.

John M. McPartland noted in a scientific review that the Cannabaceae family includes the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. Within the cannabis genus, Sativa consists of three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Depending on the variety, cannabis Sativa serves various purposes, including fiber production, oil extraction from seeds, and primarily, recreational or medicinal applications.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are distributed throughout different areas and systems, both within and outside the GI tract, which are crucial for regulating GI functions. The presence of cannabinoid receptors allows cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, to modulate GI functions across health and disease scenarios. The ECS plays a role in managing motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS has various contributing factors, affecting 10–20% of individuals in developed countries. It presents as functional gastrointestinal disturbances without identifiable organic causes.

The enhancement of the antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids in the presence of inflammation highlights the importance of the ECS in visceral hypersensitivity. This finding not only provides insight into the mechanisms behind conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also suggests promising therapeutic pathways for relieving abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone may not significantly alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, such as opioids, offers an intriguing alternative worth exploring.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD, including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a complex condition of the GI tract. These diseases arise from environmental, genetic, and epigenetic influences.

Cannabidiol exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties across various intestinal inflammation models in mice and rats, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Frontiers in Pharmacology. Both local and systemic administration of CBD demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement in disease indicators:

• Reduction of structural damage
• Mitigation of inflammation-related increases in cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers.

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal indicated that their investigation primarily found it challenging to tolerate the botanical extract, with 90% of patients reporting treatment-related adverse effects compared to 48% receiving the placebo. A trend emerged toward improved 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 may provide therapeutic benefits to those patients who can endure its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

GI cancers, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), rank among the most frequently diagnosed conditions in the general population.

Numerous studies have shown CBD’s antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer models. CBD can protect DNA from oxidative stress, increase endocannabinoid levels, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties emerged from examining in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. CBD at a dosage of 1 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumors and polyps fell by 66% and 57%, respectively. Raising the concentration to 5 mg/kg proved effective primarily in preventing polyp formation.

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

Nausea and Vomiting

Favorable outcomes of CBD occur when paired with THC, as shown in a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. CBD’s anti-nausea and anti-emetic characteristics might be due to the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors likely reduces the release of 5-HT in particular forebrain areas.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids impede transient LES relaxations via a CB1-dependent mechanism in both dogs and ferrets, as discussed in a study from the Journal of cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. These findings are significant, as transient LES relaxations are the primary mechanism behind gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Cannabis Sativa for GI Issues

Conclusion

Numerous studies suggest that the benefits of cannabinoids extend beyond the well-known psychoactive compound THC to include non-psychoactive molecules like CBD and others, which have received comparatively less attention. The cannabis plant influences the GI system by interacting with the ECS to trigger various 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 cannabis products in Canada from an online store offers many options featuring both classic favorites and new products.
2. You can expect additional advantages like 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 help during their shopping experience.
4. During the purchase process, you’ll need to verify or confirm your age by presenting identification.
5. Some stores include taxes in their product prices, while others calculate it at checkout.
6. Some dispensaries accept online payments 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 measurement forms: metric and imperial units. On a cannabis site, you’ll find measurements in grams or ounces, allowing you to locate 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 differing effects and intended uses set them apart. Medical cannabis acts as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, with a higher CBD composition compared to its recreational counterpart.

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

Yes. These come as pre-rolls. Weedsy Canada pre-rolls, or pre-rolled joints and blunts, are convenient for those who prefer their cannabis ready to use. There’s a growing 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, allowing you to have your purchases delivered directly to your doorstep instead of picking them up from a physical outlet after placing an online order.