Going through life with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be uncomfortable and disheartening. You may have tried a number of remedies that don’t seem to soothe your symptoms. But what if medical marijuana could help?
Researchers have begun examining medical marijuana’s effects on gastroenterology, including conditions like IBS. This drug could help soothe your IBS symptoms without the side effects you’d typically experience from IBS medications.
Learn the potential benefits of medical marijuana for IBS below.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help IBS Symptoms?
When researching “What can medical cannabis be prescribed for?” you may have come across information about cannabis’s benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and stress relief. But researchers have found that medical marijuana may also help improve symptoms in IBS patients. This effect could be due to the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and digestion.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of cellular receptors in the body that binds to cannabinoids, such as those found in medical marijuana. This system impacts several bodily processes, including the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract.
Because of this relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the digestive system, taking a drug that regulates your cannabinoid levels could help ease gastrointestinal symptoms, such as those resulting from IBS. The potential benefits of medical marijuana for IBS include the following.
Regulate Cannabinoids in the Body
There are many theories circulating about why inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs. In 2003, researcher Ethan B. Russo theorized that IBS is a direct result of a deficiency of cannabinoids in the body. Endocannabinoids appear to affect gut motility and feelings of bloating, and not having enough could exacerbate IBS symptoms.
Medical marijuana gives your system a direct supply of cannabinoids, potentially helping to balance your levels and reduce IBS symptoms.
Prevent Inflammation in the Digestive System
One well-studied benefit of medical cannabis is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, and this benefit could extend to IBS patients. Ingesting cannabinoids may help protect your digestive system against inflammation and stomach acids.
Research suggests that inflammation plays a pathogenic role in IBS, proposing that taking an anti-inflammatory medication could help relieve symptoms. Because medical marijuana appears to have anti-inflammatory effects, this drug could help stop IBS symptoms at the source.
Increase Colon Compliance
Medical marijuana may be especially beneficial for people with diarrhea-predominate irritable bowel syndrome, as it may increase colon compliance and help produce more regular bowel movements.
This same study also shows that the cannabinoid dronabinol, which is in cannabis, may decrease gut transit — that is, the amount of time it takes food to travel through the digestive system. People who tend to experience constipation from their IBS may benefit from taking medical marijuana.
Relieve Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, but cannabis could offer immediate relief from this symptom. Studies show that cannabidiol, the primary non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, may suppress nausea and vomiting within a limited dose.
When you’re feeling nauseous, fast relief is necessary. The University of Mexico found that consuming cannabis could ease nausea in as few as five minutes. Participants in this study reported an average symptom improvement of almost four points on a scale from zero to 10 within moments of consuming the cannabis.
Are You Interested in Trying Medical Marijuana for IBS?
Many IBS patients have found relief through medical marijuana products. If you’re ready to try medical marijuana, choose a reliable dispensary like LeafMed to ensure top-quality medical marijuana products and dedicated assistance from healthcare professionals.
At LeafMed, we offer a wide range of medical marijuana products, including edibles, topicals, vaporizers, pre-rolls, and flowers, allowing you to choose the product that best settles your IBS symptoms. Whether you’re wondering how CBD helps with allergies or looking for a customized regimen to ease IBS symptoms, we’d be happy to assist. Call LeafMed today at (228) 382-5323 to learn more about medical marijuana for IBS.