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

Numerous individuals search for a “CannaBlossom Canada cannabis store near me” to acquire marijuana for either health management or recreational enjoyment. It is widely recognized that cannabis products may help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you ever contemplated their impact on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• Cannabinoids present in the plant interact with the endocannabinoid system in the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain medications can assist in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• cannabis serves various functions, with individuals primarily recognizing it for recreational and medical uses.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and the Cannabis Plant

The positive dietary impact of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health is well-documented. Certain diets have shown potential to prevent or alleviate various GI conditions. Researchers have identified, isolated, and assessed the food components responsible for these benefits.

Among the plant-derived nutraceuticals that may aid in treating GI disorders are those derived from cannabis. Cannabis refers to products sourced 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. Within the cannabis genus, sativa comprises three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Depending on the variety, cannabis sativa serves multiple purposes, such as fiber production, oil extraction from seeds, and primarily, recreational or medicinal uses.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are present throughout various areas and systems, both within and outside the GI tract, crucial for regulating GI functions. Due to the presence of cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, assist in modulating GI functions across health and disease conditions. The ECS plays a significant role in regulating motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS has various underlying factors, affecting approximately 10–20% of individuals in developed countries. It presents as functional gastrointestinal disturbances without identifiable organic origins.

The amplification of the antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids in the context of inflammation highlights the importance of the ECS in visceral hypersensitivity. This discovery not only clarifies the mechanisms behind conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also suggests promising therapeutic pathways for relieving abdominal and visceral discomfort.

Cannabinoids alone may not provide substantial relief in reducing visceral hypersensitivity among IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, such as 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 affecting the GI tract. These diseases arise from environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors.

Cannabidiol exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects across various models of intestinal inflammation in mice and rats, as noted in a study from the Journal of Frontiers in Pharmacology. Both local and systemic administration of CBD demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement in disease indicators:

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

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal indicated that the primary outcome of their research was the challenging tolerability of the botanical extract, with 90% of participants reporting treatment-related adverse effects compared to 48% receiving the placebo. A trend emerged toward improved quality of life scores and a favorable shift in patients’ overall impressions of change, according to the per-protocol analysis. The authors speculate that the CBD-rich botanical extract might offer therapeutic benefits to those patients who can tolerate its effects.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

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

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

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties was established through examinations of in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. At a dosage of 1 mg/kg, CBD led to a notable reduction: ACF decreased by 67%, while the number of tumors and polyps fell by 66% and 57%, respectively. Increasing the concentration to 5 mg/kg proved effective, particularly 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 arise from the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors potentially results in decreased release of 5-HT in specific forebrain regions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids inhibit 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 as transient LES relaxations are the primary mechanism underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Cannabis Sativa for GI Issues

Conclusion

Numerous studies indicate that the advantages 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 interacts with the GI system by engaging with the ECS to trigger various functions that can aid 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 CannaBlossom Canada store opens up numerous options featuring both classic favorites and new products.
2. You can expect additional benefits such as special promotions, reliable payment methods, and shipping options covering most provinces.
3. Essential resources, including a blog section or contact page, are available to offer customers insights or support during their shopping journey.
4. As part of the purchasing process, you’ll need to verify or confirm your age by providing identification.
5. Some stores include taxes in their product pricing, 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 CannaBlossom Canada 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 both originate from the same plant species, yet their differing effects and intended purposes differentiate them. Medical cannabis acts as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, with a higher CBD composition compared to its recreational counterpart.

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

Yes. These come in the form of pre-rolls. cannabis pre-rolls, or pre-rolled joints and blunts, are convenient options for those preferring ready-to-use cannabis. 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, which means you can receive your purchases delivered directly to your home instead of needing to pick them up from a physical outlet after an online order.