Belching, commonly known as burping, is the body’s natural way of releasing excess gas from the stomach up through the esophagus and mouth. For many individuals who consume cannabis, frequent belching is a common occurrence. Cannabis use can cause burping due to both the physical mechanics of consumption and the biological effects of the substance on the digestive system. Understanding these mechanisms can help users manage the discomfort.
Air Swallowing During Consumption
One common reason for burping after cannabis use is a mechanical process known as aerophagia, which is the excessive swallowing of air. This occurs primarily with consumption methods that involve strong or repeated inhalation, particularly smoking or vaporizing. The act of drawing smoke or vapor deep into the lungs, especially with powerful or harsh inhales, often forces a significant amount of air down the esophagus and into the stomach.
When this swallowed air reaches the stomach, it creates a bubble of gas that the body must expel, leading to a burp. Consumption styles that require deep, forceful draws, like taking large hits from a bong, dabbing, or using certain vaporizers, tend to exacerbate aerophagia. The rapid, high-volume intake of air and product increases the likelihood of this involuntary air swallowing. Frequent coughing, which often accompanies smoking, also increases the pressure in the chest and abdomen, potentially forcing more air into the digestive tract.
In contrast, consumption methods like edibles, oils, or topical applications bypass the inhalation process entirely, and thus this specific mechanical cause of belching is generally absent. If burping still occurs with these methods, the cause is more likely related to the direct chemical influence of the cannabinoids on the body. The speed and force of inhalation, not just the substance itself, are major factors in this mechanical cause of gas accumulation.
How Cannabinoids Influence Digestion
Beyond the physical act of inhaling, the chemical compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), directly influence the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The GI tract contains a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB1 receptors, which are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. Activating these receptors can alter the normal function of digestive muscles and nerves.
One significant effect is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscular ring separating the esophagus from the stomach. THC has been shown to reduce the pressure of this sphincter, causing it to loosen. A relaxed LES can allow stomach gas and contents to reflux back up into the esophagus, a phenomenon that can manifest as burping or acid reflux.
Cannabinoids also affect gut motility, which is the rate at which food and gas move through the digestive tract. Activation of CB1 receptors can delay gastric emptying and slow down movement in the small intestine. This deceleration of the digestive process can lead to a buildup of gas and bloating in the stomach, which the body then attempts to relieve through belching. Even when consuming edibles or oils, the systemic absorption of THC and CBD can trigger these biological changes, leading to gas and subsequent burping.
Managing Discomfort and Consultation
To reduce the likelihood of cannabis-related belching, practical changes to consumption habits can be effective. For those who inhale, taking smaller, slower, and gentler draws will help minimize the amount of air swallowed with each breath, directly addressing aerophagia. Avoiding talking or eating immediately before or during consumption can also reduce the chances of swallowing excess air.
Adjusting dietary habits around the time of use is also beneficial, such as temporarily avoiding carbonated beverages, which introduce more gas into the stomach, and foods known to exacerbate reflux. Maintaining a relaxed and upright posture during and after consumption can help the digestive process flow more naturally. If the burping is accompanied by significant discomfort, a temporary break from cannabis use may allow the GI system to reset.
While burping is often benign, certain accompanying symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if the belching is persistent and accompanied by severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, or uncontrollable vomiting. This is particularly important if the symptoms are not relieved by changes in consumption habits or if they become chronic.