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The two most common causes of diarrhea are catching a stomach bug, or getting food poisoning. While unpleasant, it usually only lasts for around 5 to 7 days and can often be helped with some rest at home, and lots of fluids.
But for some, diarrhea can be a symptom of another underlying health condition. When this is the case, you may want to look at medical cannabis and digestive health. This is because medical cannabis could potentially be prescribed for health conditions where diarrhea is a side effect due to its potential to help ease inflammation in the gut and regulate digestion.
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. Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for diarrhea.
Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System in the Gut
Let’s start with a bit of background information. The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis can work positively on a wide range of conditions, including influencing the gut. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body. And this in turn could help maintain intestinal balance and gut-brain communication.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Diarrhoea?
Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body, and you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference 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.
When medical cannabis is consumed, THC binds to the receptors in the ECS, leading to experiences like increased appetite, euphoria, and changes in mood. There’s also evidence to suggest CBD may improve metabolism.
So, how does medical cannabis affect the digestive system? When it comes to medical cannabis and gut motility it’s possible to regulate digestion and ease inflammation in the gut. This is because medical cannabis can potentially interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the GI tract.
THC vs CBD: Which Cannabinoid Is Better for Digestive Relief?
There’s evidence to suggest both THC and CBD may be beneficial when it comes to medical cannabis and digestive health. Below we’ve explored some studies:
- Reduced inflammation in the gut: medical cannabis and gut health go hand in hand as seen in this study. THC was shown to reduce gastric inflammation which also helps reduce cramping and gut overactivity.
- CBD also has the potential to relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors.
But it’s hard to give an exact answer to the question of which is better. Medical cannabis affects everyone differently, and what works for one person, may not result in the same effects for you. Remember, everyone’s body is chemically different. So, it’s important to be aware that both THC and CBD can play a lead role on certain health conditions, and can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Common Gastrointestinal Conditions Medical Cannabis May Potentially Treat
Medical cannabis has the potential to ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. It may also help ease symptoms of IBS and chronic diarrhea, but more research is needed to fully understand the potential of this incredible plant.
Safe Usage and Dosing Guidelines for Diarrhoea-Related Conditions
One of the most important things is to get the right medical supervision. That’s why it’s best to seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. We have experts who are with you every step of the way.
Your clinician will work with you and advise on the best levels of CBD and THC for your condition. Remember, you may not get it right the first time. It’s important to find a dose that’s suitable for your body and individual needs, so that you can get the most effective results and reduce the chance of side effects.
And as always, we recommend you start low and go slow.
Some factors that may influence your ideal dosage include:
- Weight and body size
- Metabolism
- Your medical condition or symptoms
- The strength or ‘potency’ of the medical cannabis
- Whether you’re new to medical cannabis, or have built up some tolerance over time
- Your chosen/recommended method of consumption
Summary
Diarrhoea can be a pretty unpleasant side effect to some even worse chronic conditions, some of which have no known cure. Instead, people with these chronic conditions can improve their quality of life by easing some of the symptoms. From reducing inflammation to stimulating appetite, there’s some evidence to support medical cannabis for gut inflammation. But a lot more is needed. Hopefully by bringing it into the mainstream, we can highlight the potential of this incredible plant.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or 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.