Cannabis and the human digestive system is a topic of growing interest. While many seek to understand if cannabis can offer relief for digestive discomforts, the answer is complex and not straightforward. Cannabis contains compounds, known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body, influencing multiple functions, including digestion. This interaction can lead to a range of effects, some potentially beneficial and others adverse.
How Cannabis Interacts with Digestion
The body possesses an internal system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological processes. This system includes naturally produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and specific receptors, primarily cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2). These receptors are found throughout the body, including within the digestive tract, where they influence gut motility, secretion, and sensation.
CB1 receptors are present in the brain and peripheral organs like the enteric nervous system, sensory nerve terminals, and non-neuronal cells within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. CB2 receptors are located in peripheral organs and immune cells, and are also found in the GI tract. Cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with these CB1 and CB2 receptors. This interaction allows cannabis compounds to modulate various digestive functions.
Potential Ways Cannabis Might Help Digestion
Cannabis and its compounds may offer relief for several digestive concerns. One area is the reduction of nausea and vomiting. Synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol and nabilone, have been approved for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) when conventional antiemetics are insufficient. These compounds reduce nausea and vomiting by inhibiting serotonin receptors and activating CB1 receptors, which can decrease gastrointestinal motility. Clinical studies indicate that THC/CBD extracts can improve control of CINV.
Cannabis may also stimulate appetite, beneficial for individuals with wasting syndrome, a condition of severe weight loss often associated with chronic illnesses. THC, by binding to CB1 receptors, can induce hunger and increase food intake. Beyond appetite, cannabis use may also contribute to improved mood and reduced fatigue in patients with wasting conditions.
For inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, cannabis compounds like CBD and THC demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. These cannabinoids can regulate immune system activity, potentially reducing inflammation within the gut. While research is ongoing, these effects suggest a possible role for cannabis in managing IBD symptoms.
Cannabis may also alleviate abdominal pain and discomfort. Its interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the gut can provide pain relief for conditions including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBD. Patients have reported reduced pain from bloating, cramping, and inflammation with cannabis use.
Potential Negative Effects on Digestion
Despite potential benefits, cannabis use can also lead to adverse digestive effects. One notable condition is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which presents as severe, recurring cycles of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This syndrome affects chronic, long-term cannabis users.
Patients often find temporary relief from these distressing symptoms by taking hot baths or showers. The mechanism behind CHS is not fully understood, but it may involve long-term overstimulation of endocannabinoid system receptors. The only known way to resolve CHS symptoms is to discontinue cannabis use entirely.
Cannabis can also impact gastric motility. While cannabinoids can reduce intestinal motility via CB1 receptors, high doses or chronic use may paradoxically slow digestion, potentially contributing to nausea and vomiting. Studies have indicated that THC intake can delay gastric emptying.
Cannabis use has also been associated with diarrhea. Other general digestive discomforts, such as bloating or acid reflux, can also occur. Inhaling cannabis can lead to air swallowing, which might cause bloating.
Important Considerations Before Use
Before considering cannabis for digestive issues, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. This guidance is important due to the complexities of cannabis’s effects and varying individual responses. Self-medication without professional oversight is not recommended.
The cannabis market currently lacks standardized dosing, and product composition can vary significantly. This variability makes consistent and predictable effects challenging to achieve. Additionally, cannabis can interact with other medications, potentially leading to unforeseen side effects or reduced efficacy of prescribed treatments.