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

“`html

Numerous individuals look for a “cannabis store near me” to buy marijuana, whether for alleviating their condition or simply for enjoyment. It is widely recognized that cannabis products can help relieve symptoms like anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Have you ever thought about its impact on gastrointestinal disorders?

Key Takeaways:

• The cannabinoids within the plant engage with the endocannabinoid system in the GI tract.
• Cannabis and pain medications can assist in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• Cannabis Sativa serves multiple purposes, but is primarily known for its recreational and medical uses.

Gastrointestinal Disorders and Cannabis Plant

The dietary effects of nutraceuticals on gastrointestinal (GI) health are well recognized. Certain diets appear to prevent or alleviate various GI issues. Researchers have identified and evaluated the food components responsible for these benefits.

Cannabis-derived nutraceuticals show potential for treating GI disorders. Cannabis refers to products sourced from the cannabis Sativa plant, which is an aromatic annual flowering herb.

John M. McPartland noted in a scientific review that the Cannabaceae family encompasses the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. The cannabis genus, sativa, includes three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Depending on the variety, cannabis sativa serves various purposes, such as fiber production, oil extraction from seeds, and primarily, recreational or medicinal applications.

The Impact of the Plant

Receptors and ligands of the endocannabinoid system are found throughout different areas and systems, both within and outside the GI tract, which are essential for regulating GI functions. The presence of cannabinoid receptors allows cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, to modulate GI functions in health and disease. The ECS is involved in regulating motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

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

The enhancement of the antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids in the presence of inflammation highlights the importance of the ECS in visceral hypersensitivity. This insight not only clarifies the mechanisms behind conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also suggests promising therapeutic pathways for alleviating abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone might not provide substantial relief in reducing visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, such as opioids, offers an intriguing 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. These diseases arise from environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors.

Cannabidiol exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties across 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 demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement in disease indicators:

• Reduction of structural damage
• Mitigation of inflammation-related increases in various cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers.

A study from the Inflammatory Diseases Journal revealed that the main finding of their investigation was the challenging tolerability of the botanical extract, with 90% of patients experiencing treatment-related adverse effects compared to 48% receiving the placebo.

A trend emerged toward improved quality of life scores and a positive change in patients’ overall impression, based on the per-protocol analysis. The authors suggest that the CBD-rich botanical extract may offer therapeutic benefits for 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.

Multiple studies have demonstrated CBD’s antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer models. CBD can 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 was established through in vivo models focusing on AOM-induced colon cancer. CBD at a dosage of 1 mg/kg resulted in a significant 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 primarily showed efficacy in preventing polyp formation.

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

Nausea and Vomiting

Positive effects of CBD are observed 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 work through the indirect stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors located in the dorsal raphe nucleus. This activation of autoreceptors likely leads to a decrease in the release of 5-HT in specific forebrain regions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids prevent transient LES relaxations via 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 behind 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 relatively less attention. The cannabis plant affects the GI system by interacting with the ECS to facilitate various functions that can assist in addressing 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 provides numerous options featuring both classic favorites and new products.
2. Additional benefits include special offers, reliable payment methods, and shipping options available for most provinces.
3. Essential resources, such as a blog section or contact page, are provided to offer customers insights or assistance during their shopping experience.
4. As part of the purchasing process, you’ll need to verify or confirm your age by presenting identification.
5. Some stores include taxes in their product prices, 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 cannabis site, you’ll find measurements in grams or ounces, which allow you to locate products like 3.5 grams or 1/8 ounces.

What distinguishes cannabis for medical use from that used recreationally?

Medical cannabis and recreational cannabis originate from the same plant species, yet their differing effects and intended uses set them apart. Medical cannabis acts as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, often containing a higher CBD concentration 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 choices 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 have your purchases delivered directly to your doorstep rather than needing to collect them from a physical store after placing an online order.

“`