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

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Numerous people look for a “cannabis store near me” to buy marijuana, whether for therapeutic needs or for recreational enjoyment. It is widely recognized that cannabis products may help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you thought about its impact on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabinoids in the plant interact with the endocannabinoid system in the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain medications can be effective in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• cannabis serves various purposes, but most people recognize it for its recreational and medical uses.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and cannabis Plant

The dietary impact of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health is widely accepted. Specific diets show potential in preventing or alleviating various GI conditions. Researchers have identified, isolated, and assessed the food components responsible for these benefits.

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

John M. McPartland concluded in a scientific review that the Cannabaceae family includes the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. Within the cannabis genus, sativa has three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Depending on the variety, cannabis sativa can serve various purposes, such as fiber production, seed oil extraction, and primarily recreational or medicinal uses.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are distributed throughout various systems, including the GI tract, relevant to regulating GI functions. The presence of cannabinoid receptors allows cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, to modulate GI functions in health and disease. The ECS regulates motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS has various contributing factors and affects 10–20% of individuals in developed countries. It presents as functional gastrointestinal disturbances without identifiable organic origins.

The enhancement of the antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids amid inflammation highlights the significance of the ECS in visceral hypersensitivity. This finding not only clarifies the mechanisms underlying IBS and other GI disorders but also suggests promising therapeutic options for alleviating abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone may not provide considerable relief in reducing visceral hypersensitivity for IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, like opioids, presents a compelling 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 caused by environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors.

Cannabidiol shows strong anti-inflammatory effects in various models of intestinal inflammation in mice and rats, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Frontiers in Pharmacology. Both local and systemic administration of CBD indicated a dose-dependent improvement in disease indicators:

• The reduction of structural damage
• The mitigation of inflammation-related increases in various cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers.

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal indicated that a 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 tendency was observed toward improved quality of life scores and a positive shift in patients’ overall impression of change, as per the per-protocol analysis. The authors speculate that the CBD-rich botanical extract could offer therapeutic advantages for patients who can tolerate its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

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

Various studies have demonstrated CBD’s antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer models. CBD may protect DNA from oxidative stress, enhance endocannabinoid levels, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties emerged from examining in vivo models focused on AOM-induced colon cancer. CBD at a dosage of 1 mg/kg resulted in a notable reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumors and polyps dropped by 66% and 57%, respectively. Increasing the concentration to 5 mg/kg showed efficacy mainly in preventing polyp formation.

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

Nausea and Vomiting

Positive effects of CBD occur when combined with THC, as indicated in a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. CBD’s anti-nausea and anti-emetic properties may result from indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors could lead to reduced release of 5-HT in specific forebrain regions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids reduce transient LES relaxations via a CB1-dependent mechanism in both dogs and ferrets, as noted 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 suggest that the advantages of cannabinoids extend beyond the well-known psychoactive compound THC to non-psychoactive compounds like CBD and others, which have received comparatively less attention. The cannabis plant interacts with the GI system by engaging with the ECS to initiate various functions that can assist in managing symptoms of specific 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 classic favorites and new products.
2. You can expect additional benefits like special deals, trusted 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 help during their shopping experience.
4. As part of the buying process, you’ll need to verify your age by presenting identification.
5. Some stores include taxes in their product prices, while others calculate them 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 will 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 different effects and intended uses set them apart. Medical cannabis acts as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, often having a higher CBD content than 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’s 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, allowing you to receive your purchases directly at your doorstep instead of needing to collect them from a physical outlet after placing an online order.

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