Many studies have examined the effects of cannabis on common IBS. The results of these clinical trials suggest that cannabis could help people diagnosed with IBS, particularly those who want to ease the pain from its symptoms.
Here in the following article, you'll learn how cannabis is an effective remedy for IBS. But first, let's understand what IBS is.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It mainly affects your large bowel. As a result, it generates a wide range of symptoms, most of which are linked to your digestive system. The symptoms of IBS can range from mildly irritating to severe.
As there's more than one type of IBS, such as IBS-C, IBS-M, and IBS-D, treatment for each patient varies.
Treatments For IBS
There are currently many options that people suffering from IBS can select from. Some of the most common methods for IBS are as follows:
- Prescribed Medicines: Depending on the type and intensity of the IBS, a doctor may prescribe medicine to help manage several symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. For these conditions, most physicians give antidiarrheals, antispasmodic, and laxatives.
- Probiotics: The stomach is home to millions of (good) bacteria that play an important role in the digestive system. But, there may be some types of microbes that negatively affect the digestive system. That is where probiotics come into the pictures. Some probiotics can help improve the digestive system, easing some of the symptoms of IBS.
- Consultation: Due to the potential psychical effects of IBS, some people may choose to go for professional counseling or behavioral therapy to find a way to cope with their problem.
The Search For Relief
The first researcher to link cannabis and IBS was Ethan B. Russo. In 2003, he theorized that IBS and other health issues resulted from a deficiency in the number of the body's own cannabinoid compounds*.
Further research has given some support to Russo's evaluations. For instance, a clinical trial on animals has revealed that endocannabinoids impair gut motility and visceral hypersensitivity. These agents have long been highlighted as contributing to the bloat, pain, feelings of abundance, and toilet difficulties correlated with IBS.
How Marijuana Helps Treating IBS
It might be exciting to learn that we all have cannabinoid compounds within our bodies as part of our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The system is not understood fully, but we know that it is made up of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid substances.
The receptors are found all throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. A large number of them are also settled within our digestive system, which has driven experts to examine ways to use them to help with diseases like Crohn's ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcer disease.
Medical marijuana is able to fill in the missing bits of the homeostasis puzzle when the body fails to control its own endocannabinoid production.
Which Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Can Marijuana Treat?
Even though marijuana and IBS analysis and treatment recommendations are still in their infancy, there are means herb can improve your state of life. Marijuana can reduce three significant symptoms of IBS — diarrhea, depression, and abdominal pain.
Using Cannabis to Ease IBS-Related Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a draining, unpleasant, and embarrassing symptom of IBS. Marijuana has been proven to help with loose motion by reducing the pace of food through your gastrointestinal tract while reducing intestinal cramping.
Using Cannabis to Treat IBS-Related Depression
IBS impacts your mental health, and cannabis is a well-known mood enhancer. The initial study found that Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, reduced anxiety and antisocial behaviors in rodents in minutes.
The results continued to work overtime. Standard antidepressants can take weeks to function. Marijuana could work miracles for you if you feel pessimistic as a result of your disorder.
Using Cannabis to Treat IBS-Related Abdominal Pain
The research reported in the British Journal of Pharmacology implies cannabinoid therapies can help control diseases like IBS. Cannabis is both anti-inflammatory and works well at reducing nerve pain. Another study finds cannabinoid therapies as an efficient method to calm intestinal wall inflammation and irritation in people with GI problems.
Are There Any Cannabis Strains For IBS?
Yes, analyses on cannabis and IBS record that both high-THC and high-CBD strains can alleviate the pain. Using cannabis products with a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD is apparently the safest remedial route as it will keep the inflammation under control without any unwanted psychoactive impacts. If you want to explore cannabis strains to treat IBS, Click Here.
Tips While Taking Cannabis for IBS
Right here are some fundamental tips to keep in mind when using medical marijuana in any form. Always take help from your doctor about your IBS or IBS-associated problem. Never use medical Sativa or Indica strains to control your IBS without your doctor's prescription.
Your physician might ask you a few questions to identify other ailments that might be linked to IBS, so be prepared for it. You also need to keep your medical records handy, including treatments and even medicines you have taken earlier.
The doctor might prescribe Indica or Sativa strains depending upon your symptoms. If using pot in the prescribed dosage generates adverse effects, consult your doctor. Also, set your dosage right by experimentations till you find your sweet spot.
Couch-lock effects are common to Sativa strain users and high THC strains, so use them carefully. In case you feel couch-locked, take a break for some time. Worrying can only make your condition worse. Seasoned smokers who use the herb and have gone through adverse effects recommend that you control the impacts, and it will pass.
Like other psychoactive drugs, consider taking cannabis just when there's little or no work to be done the following day to relax before you return to work.
Takeaway
So let's get to the bottom of it. Can you treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with marijuana? Based on what research discovered, yes, cannabis can probably benefit if you have IBS.
As the remedial use of cannabis gets more attention in the media, there is increasing recognition of IBS patients. People have started using cannabis for symptomatic control of their IBS, reportedly with a successful reduction in joint pain, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and vomiting.
IMPORTANT: Cannabis is a psychoactive drug, and it is not legal everywhere. Understand your state laws regarding marijuana and consult your doctor before trying cannabis to treat your IBS symptoms.
