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

“`html

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

Key Takeaways:

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

Gastrointestinal Disorders and the Cannabis Plant

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

Among the plant-derived nutraceuticals potentially beneficial for treating GI disorders are those sourced from cannabis. Cannabis refers to products derived from the cannabis Sativa plant, an aromatic annual flowering herb.

John M. McPartland concluded in a scientific review that the Cannabaceae family includes the genera Cannabis, Humulus, and Celtis. The cannabis genus, sativa, comprises three varieties: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Notably, depending on the variety, cannabis sativa serves different 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 present throughout various areas and systems, both within and outside the GI tract, that are relevant to regulating GI functions. Due to the presence of cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, help modulate GI functions across health and disease states. The ECS plays a role in regulating motility, secretion, epithelial barrier function, and viscerosensitivity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS has various contributing factors and commonly affects 10–20% of individuals in developed countries. It manifests 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 the manifestation of visceral hypersensitivity. This discovery not only illuminates the mechanisms underlying conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders but also suggests promising therapeutic options for alleviating abdominal and visceral pain.

Cannabinoids alone may not provide significant relief in reducing visceral hypersensitivity among IBS patients. Investigating combinations with other pain-modulating agents, like opioids, presents an interesting alternative avenue worth exploring.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD, such as 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 strong anti-inflammatory effects 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:

• 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 revealed that the primary finding of their investigation 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 emerged toward enhanced quality of life scores and a positive change in patients’ overall impressions, according to the per-protocol analysis. The authors speculate that the CBD-rich botanical extract might offer therapeutic advantages to those 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 can protect DNA from oxidative stress, increase endocannabinoid levels, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

The confirmation of CBD’s chemopreventive properties was evidenced through examinations of 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 showed efficacy primarily 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 likely leads to a reduction in the release of 5-HT in specific forebrain regions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Cannabinoids inhibit 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 constitute the primary mechanism underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Cannabis Sativa for GI Issues

Conclusion

Multiple studies indicate that the benefits of cannabinoids apply not only to the well-known psychoactive compound THC but also to non-psychoactive molecules like CBD and others, which have received comparatively less attention. The cannabis plant influences the GI system by interacting with the ECS to trigger multiple functions that can aid in managing symptoms of certain 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 opens up many options featuring both timeless favorites and new products.
2. You can anticipate additional benefits such as special offers, reliable 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 assistance during their shopping experience.
4. As part of the purchase process, you’ll need to verify your age by presenting identification.
5. Some stores include taxes in their product prices, while others will calculate it at checkout.
6. Some dispensaries accept online payment 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 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 originate from the same plant species, yet their differing effects and intended applications set them apart. Medical cannabis serves as a therapeutic aid for specific health conditions, with a richer 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 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, which means you can have your purchases delivered directly to your doorstep rather than needing to pick them up from a physical outlet after placing an online order.

“`