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 managing their condition or for recreational enjoyment. It is widely recognized that cannabis products can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you considered how it affects gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabinoids in the plant engage with the endocannabinoid system in the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain medications can aid in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• cannabis serves multiple purposes, but is primarily known for recreational and medical uses.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and cannabis Plant

The dietary impacts of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health are well established. Specific diets have shown potential in preventing or alleviating various GI conditions. Researchers have identified and evaluated the food components responsible for these benefits.

Among the plant-based nutraceuticals that may help treat GI disorders are those derived from cannabis. Cannabis refers to products obtained from the cannabis Sativa plant, a fragrant annual flowering herb.

John M. McPartland noted in a scientific review that the Cannabaceae family includes the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. The cannabis genus, sativa, has three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Notably, depending on the variety, cannabis sativa serves various functions, such as producing fiber, extracting oil from seeds, and primarily serving recreational or medicinal purposes.

The Impact of the Plant

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

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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

The enhanced antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids in inflamed states highlight the importance of the ECS in visceral hypersensitivity. This insight not only clarifies the mechanisms behind conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also suggests potential therapeutic options for alleviating abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone may not significantly relieve visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Exploring combinations with other pain-modulating agents, such as opioids, is an intriguing alternative worth exploring.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD, including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a complex GI condition. These illnesses arise from environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors.

Cannabidiol has shown strong anti-inflammatory properties in various models of intestinal inflammation in mice and rats, as reported in a study in the Journal of Frontiers in Pharmacology. Both local and systemic administration of CBD resulted in dose-dependent improvements in disease indicators:

• Reduction of structural damage
• Mitigation of inflammation-related increases in various cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers.

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal indicated that their investigation’s primary finding 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 toward improved quality of life scores and a positive shift in patients’ overall impression of change was noted in the per-protocol analysis. The authors speculate that the CBD-rich botanical extract might offer therapeutic advantages to patients who can tolerate its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

GI cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), are among the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the general population.

Numerous studies have demonstrated CBD’s antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer models. CBD protects DNA from oxidative stress, enhances endocannabinoid levels, and inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

The validation of CBD’s chemopreventive effects was confirmed through examinations of in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. A CBD dosage of 1 mg/kg led to a significant reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumors and polyps fell by 66% and 57%, respectively. Increasing the dosage to 5 mg/kg was particularly effective in preventing polyp formation.

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

Nausea and Vomiting

CBD exhibits positive effects when combined with THC, as shown in a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. The anti-nausea and anti-emetic effects of CBD may be attributed to the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus, which potentially reduces the release of 5-HT in certain forebrain regions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids reduce transient LES relaxations through 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 because transient LES relaxations are the primary mechanism underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease.

cannabis for GI Issues

Conclusion

Numerous studies suggest that cannabinoids’ benefits extend beyond the well-known psychoactive compound THC to include non-psychoactive molecules like CBD, which have received less attention. The cannabis plant interacts with the GI system by engaging with the ECS, triggering multiple functions that can help manage symptoms of particular 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 opens up numerous options featuring both classic favorites and new products.
2. You can expect additional advantages like special offers, secure payment methods, and shipping options available for most provinces.
3. Important resources, such as a blog section or contact page, are available to offer insights or assistance during your shopping experience.
4. As part of the purchasing process, you must verify or confirm your age by providing identification.
5. Some stores include taxes in their product prices, while others calculate it at checkout.
6. Some dispensaries accept online payment methods like Interac E-Transfer, while others allow cash on delivery.

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

There are two main forms of measurement: metric and imperial units. On a cannabis site, you’ll find measurements in grams or ounces, allowing you to find products such as 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, but their differing effects and intended uses set them apart. Medical cannabis acts as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, typically with a higher CBD content compared to its recreational counterpart.

Are there ready-made joints available in a cannabis store?

Yes. These come in the form of pre-rolls. WhitePalm Canada 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 receive your purchases directly at your doorstep instead of needing to pick them up from a physical store after placing an online order.

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