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

Many individuals search for a “cannabis store near me” to acquire marijuana, whether for therapeutic reasons or recreational enjoyment. It is commonly understood that cannabis products may help alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you contemplated its effects on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabinoids present in the plant interact with the endocannabinoid system within the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain relief medications may aid in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• Cannabis Sativa serves various functions, but is primarily recognized for both recreational and medicinal uses.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and Cannabis Plant

The dietary impacts of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health are well acknowledged. Certain dietary regimes have shown potential in preventing or alleviating various GI issues. Researchers have identified, isolated, and studied the food components responsible for these benefits.

Among plant-derived nutraceuticals that may aid in treating GI disorders are those sourced from cannabis. Cannabis refers to preparations derived from the cannabis Sativa plant, a fragrant 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 comprises three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Depending on the variety, cannabis Sativa serves multiple purposes, such as fiber production, oil extraction from seeds, and primarily for recreational or medicinal applications.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are located throughout various regions 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 states. The ECS plays a role in regulating 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 origins.

The enhancement of the antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids during inflammation highlights the importance of the ECS in visceral hypersensitivity. This insight not only clarifies the mechanisms behind conditions like IBS and other GI disorders but also suggests potential therapeutic pathways for alleviating abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone may not significantly reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, such as opioids, offers an interesting 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 factors.

Cannabidiol exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties across various models of intestinal inflammation in mice and rats, as highlighted 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 various cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers.

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal indicated that a significant finding was the challenging tolerability of the botanical extract, with 90% of patients reporting treatment-related adverse effects compared to 48% in the placebo group. A trend emerged toward improved quality of life scores and a positive change in patients’ overall impressions, according to the per-protocol analysis. The authors suggest that the CBD-rich botanical extract could provide therapeutic benefits for patients able to tolerate its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

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

Numerous studies have demonstrated CBD’s antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer models. CBD can protect DNA from oxidative stress, boost endocannabinoid levels, and inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro.

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties emerged from in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. A dosage of 1 mg/kg of CBD led to a significant reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumors and polyps dropped by 66% and 57%, respectively. Increasing 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

Positive effects of CBD occur when combined with THC, as indicated in a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. CBD’s anti-nausea and anti-emetic properties may result from the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors potentially decreases the release of 5-HT in specific forebrain areas.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids reduce transient LES relaxations through a CB1-dependent mechanism in both dogs and ferrets, as reported in research from the Journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. These findings are significant since transient LES relaxations are the primary mechanism underlying 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 relatively less attention. The cannabis plant impacts the GI system by interacting with the ECS to initiate multiple functions that may help manage symptoms of specific 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 provides numerous options, featuring both classic favorites and new products.
2. Expect additional benefits such as special offers, trustworthy payment methods, and shipping options covering most provinces.
3. Essential resources, including a blog section or contact page, are available to assist customers during their shopping experience.
4. As part of the purchase process, you must verify 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 offer cash on delivery.

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

There are two main measurement forms: metric and imperial units. On a cannabis site, you’ll find measurements in grams or ounces, enabling you to locate products such as 3.5 grams or 1/8 ounces.

What distinguishes cannabis for medical use from that used recreationally?

Medical cannabis and recreational cannabis come 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, typically with a higher CBD content compared to its recreational counterpart.

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

Yes. These are available as pre-rolls. Cannabis pre-rolls, or pre-rolled joints and blunts, are convenient options for those who prefer ready-to-use cannabis. 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 have physical locations, meaning you can have your purchases delivered directly to your home instead of needing to pick them up from a physical outlet after placing an online order.