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Nausea can be a debilitating symptom of lots of different things. Chemotherapy, chronic illness, stress-related conditions. And for many, traditional treatments don’t always offer consistent relief. That’s where medical cannabis comes in.
Research increasingly supports the idea that compounds found in cannabis — particularly THC and CBD — can interact with the body to help regulate nausea and vomiting. Below we’ll be exploring some nausea relief options, as well as how medical cannabis works to relieve nausea, and how to find the right treatment safely and legally in the UK.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
How Cannabis Works to Relieve Nausea
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body. And that’s why medical cannabis can potentially have positive effects for so many different conditions.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Nausea?
THC and CBD are two of over 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. These active compounds can cause effects throughout the body. The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Cannabinoids have the potential to modulate the ECS, particularly the CB1 receptors in the brainstem and gut. And this may suppress nausea signals. In other words, THC and CBD may reduce or regulate nausea by interacting with the brain and gut receptors responsible for vomiting and digestive discomfort.
For example, this study shows how THC has the potential to ease the symptoms of nausea by interacting with the CB1 receptors.
Which Conditions Involving Nausea May Benefit from Cannabis?
Nausea can be a symptom of lots of different conditions. And although medical cannabis can’t be prescribed for everything, it can potentially be prescribed for nausea that’s a symptom of:
- Chemotherapy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety-related nausea
Is Medical Cannabis Effective for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea?
A lot more research is needed to discover the full potential benefits of medical cannabis being used alongside chemotherapy. However, there is some promising evidence that it could complement chemotherapy.
This study found that THC prevented nausea in 40 out of 55 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Other trials similarly showed THC significantly reduced nausea, and was often more effective than standard anti‑vomit medications. This shows THC some potentially strong antiemetic effects. (Antiemetic drugs are medications that help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.)
Some of the possible chemotherapy side effects, and cancer symptoms, medical cannabis has the potential to help relieve include:
- Pain relief
- Nausea and vomiting relief
- Reducing inflammation
- Mood enhancement
- Anxiety relief
We have lots more on medical cannabis for cancer here, and more on medical cannabis and chemotherapy nausea here. It’s important to remember that medical cannabis is not a replacement cancer treatment. It can just be used alongside it to potentially help relieve symptoms or side effects.
Best Cannabinoids and Ratios for Nausea Relief
As we explored above, THC has the potential to significantly reduce nausea. But, did you know that balanced or low-dose THC with CBD can also potentially help reduce nausea, with fewer reported side effects and better tolerability. This is due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect: a combination of active compounds like THC, CBD, terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, can sometimes work together to produce better effects.
Is Medical Cannabis Safe for Managing Nausea?
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, most serious side effects are uncommon and can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method, and THC and CBD content. Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever concerned speak to your clinician. But medical cannabis is generally safe when prescribed.
We always recommend you start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to medical cannabis or trying a new strain. That way, you can minimise risk and side effects. But, some potential medical cannabis side effects for nausea and other conditions include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
In rare cases you may experience psychoactive effects or anxiety. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis due to the dosage guidance of a clinician. And anxiety is usually experienced due to incorrect dosing.
Keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to speak to your clinician.
Can You Get a Prescription for Cannabis to Treat Nausea in the UK?
If you’re wondering: can I get medical cannabis for nausea in the UK? The answer is yes. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor from a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, like chronic or treatment-resistant nausea, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery or anything else prescribed by your GP.
You won’t get a prescription if you’re currently pregnant, or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product for Nausea Relief
Choosing the best strains or ratios for nausea relief isn’t simple. Everyone is different, and there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to medical cannabis for nausea. The best thing to do is follow the advice your clinician gives you, and work with them to find a treatment plan that suits you and your needs. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication, and will advise you on what is best based on your symptoms and condition.
Below we’ve explored some different forms of medical cannabis:
- Flower: Usually inhaled using a vaporiser, you’ll feel a rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief. Smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
As we said above, it’s best to let professionals, like the clinicians at Alternaleaf, advise on the best form and dose for you and your symptoms.
Summary
Whether you’re specifically looking for CBD for nausea, THC for nausea, a combination of the two (also known as the entourage effect) or just want to move away from traditional medications and towards natural nausea treatments, hopefully we’ve helped.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.