The increasing use of cannabis raises questions about its effects on the digestive tract, particularly the colon. This article explores the current scientific understanding of the relationship between cannabis use, specifically smoking, and colon health.
Understanding the Colon and Cannabis’s Interaction
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a muscular, U-shaped organ that plays a central role in the final stages of digestion. Its primary functions include absorbing water, electrolytes, and some nutrients from digested food, and forming waste into solid stool for elimination.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling network, is distributed throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. This system comprises receptors, naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and enzymes that regulate various bodily functions, including digestion, appetite, inflammation, and gut movement. Cannabis compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) interact with these ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the gut, influencing digestive processes.
Examining the Evidence: Cannabis Smoking and Colon Health
The direct link between smoking cannabis and colon problems like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or colorectal cancer is an area of ongoing research with mixed findings. For IBD, some patients report symptomatic relief from pain, cramping, nausea, and diarrhea with cannabis use. However, clinical studies have not consistently shown that cannabis induces disease remission or significantly reduces underlying inflammation.
For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cannabinoids may improve symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Some observational studies suggest cannabis use might be associated with a higher likelihood of IBS-related hospitalizations, indicating symptomatic relief does not always translate to improved disease outcomes. Research challenges include limited controlled human trials, varied cannabis products, and different consumption methods, making definitive conclusions difficult.
Regarding colorectal cancer, studies have explored the association between cannabis use and patient outcomes. One study found that colon cancer patients with a history of cannabis use disorder (CUD) had a substantially higher five-year mortality rate. This research highlights an association with heavy cannabis use, not necessarily establishing smoking as a direct cause of cancer or increased mortality, and further investigation is needed.
Conversely, some laboratory and animal studies suggest certain cannabis compounds may have anti-cancer properties. However, these findings have not been replicated in human clinical trials and often involve specific extracts, not smoked cannabis.
Other Digestive System Considerations with Cannabis Use
Beyond colon concerns, cannabis use can affect the broader digestive system, leading to various gastrointestinal issues. One notable condition is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), characterized by severe, cyclical bouts of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This syndrome typically develops in individuals who use cannabis heavily and long-term, often daily. Symptoms often find temporary relief through hot showers or baths, and the only known way to resolve CHS is complete abstinence from cannabis.
Cannabis can also influence gut motility, the movement of food through the digestive tract. Cannabinoids, particularly through CB1 receptor activation, can reduce intestinal motility, potentially leading to slowed digestion. While cannabis is often used to stimulate appetite, some individuals may paradoxically experience appetite suppression or nausea after use.