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

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Many people look for a “cannabis store near me” to buy marijuana, whether for health management or recreational enjoyment. It is widely recognized that cannabis products may aid in alleviating issues such as anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you thought about its impact on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabinoids in the cannabis plant interact with the endocannabinoid system in the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain medications may assist in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• cannabis serves various purposes, but most individuals acknowledge it for its recreational and medical uses.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and Cannabis Plant

The dietary benefits of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health are well-recognized. Certain diets have the potential to prevent or alleviate various GI conditions. Researchers have identified and assessed the food components responsible for these effects.

Among the plant-based nutraceuticals that may aid in treating GI disorders are those derived from cannabis. Cannabis refers to products sourced from the cannabis Sativa plant, an aromatic annual flowering herb.

John M. McPartland stated in a scientific review that the Cannabaceae family includes the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. Within the cannabis genus, sativa consists of three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. It is significant that depending on the variety, cannabis sativa serves many purposes, including fiber production, oil extraction from seeds, and primarily, recreational or medicinal applications.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are located throughout various areas and systems, both within and beyond the GI tract, which are crucial for regulating GI functions. The presence of cannabinoid receptors means that cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, help modulate GI functions in both health and disease conditions. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS has numerous contributing factors, affecting 10–20% of individuals in developed countries. It presents as functional gastrointestinal disturbances without identifiable organic causes.

The enhancement of the antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids due to inflammation highlights the importance of the endocannabinoid system in the development of visceral hypersensitivity. This discovery not only illuminates the mechanisms behind conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also suggests promising therapeutic paths for relieving abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone might not provide significant relief for visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, like opioids, offers an intriguing 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 shows strong anti-inflammatory properties across various models of intestinal inflammation in animals, as noted in a study 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 in the Inflammatory Diseases Journal indicated that the main finding of their research was the challenging tolerability of the botanical extract, with 90% of patients reporting treatment-related adverse effects compared to 48% receiving the placebo. A trend appeared toward improved quality of life scores and a favorable shift in patients’ overall impression of change, according to the per-protocol analysis. The authors speculate that the CBD-rich botanical extract might hold therapeutic benefits for those patients who can tolerate its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

GI cancers, such as 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, elevate endocannabinoid levels, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties came through the examination of in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. CBD at a dosage of 1 mg/kg led to a significant reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumors and polyps dropped by 66% and 57%, respectively. Escalating the concentration to 5 mg/kg primarily showed efficacy in preventing polyp formation.

THC induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the CB1 receptor.

Nausea and Vomiting

Positive effects of CBD are observed when combined with THC, as noted in a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. CBD’s anti-nausea and anti-emetic properties may be due to the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors may lead to a reduction in the release of 5-HT in specific forebrain areas.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids inhibit transient LES relaxations via a CB1-dependent mechanism in both dogs and ferrets, as reported in a study 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 indicate 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 comparatively less attention. The cannabis plant influences the GI system by interacting with the ECS to trigger multiple functions that can aid in managing symptoms of certain 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 offers many options featuring both timeless favorites and new products.
2. You can expect additional benefits such as special offers, reliable payment methods, and shipping options covering most provinces.
3. Essential resources, such as a blog section or contact page, are available to provide customers with insights or assistance during their shopping experience.
4. As part of the purchase process, you’ll need to verify or confirm 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 allow cash on delivery.

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

There are two primary forms of measurement: metric and imperial units. On a cannabis site, you’ll encounter measurements in grams or ounces, allowing you to find products like 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 differentiate them. Medical cannabis serves as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, typically having a higher CBD composition 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 their cannabis ready to use. There is 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 maintain physical locations, meaning you can have your purchases delivered directly to your doorstep rather than needing to pick them up after placing an online order.

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