More than three million Americans are living with the chronic illness known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). USA Reliable Source. The conditions known as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) fall under the umbrella term inflammatory bowel disease (I (UC).
Unfortunately, there is now no treatment that will alleviate the symptoms of IBD, and sometimes medicine is ineffective. Researchers have been looking at cannabis’ potential for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for a while now. Uncertainty still surrounds the final conclusion.
The number of diseases for which medical marijuana is being prescribed is growing. These include epilepsy, chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and inflammatory disorders. Because of this, cannabis is gaining popularity.
Here, we’ll examine the studies that have investigated the effects of cannabis on IBD in further detail.
Language is important
The three varieties of cannabis (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis) all belong to the same type of plant. Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in cannabis that have a wide range of effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most researched cannabinoids (CBD). The results of each are different.
Marijuana may refer to any part of these plants that has been dried and smoked or eaten.
The term “cannabis” has largely supplanted the older term “marijuana” to refer to this family of plants. There are a number of factors at play here, one of which is the ever-changing legal status of cannabis in the USA. This is done in order to distance ourselves from the term’s racist past.
Cannabidiol (CBD) for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, IBD is a chronic (long-term) disorder that may have a significant effect on your quality of life. Although researchers have not pinpointed a specific cause for IBD, they suspect that a combination of genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors have a role.
Long-term symptom management of UC and CD may be difficult with the current standard of care for IBD, especially for those with severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea and stomach discomfort. Because of this, researchers are looking into novel medicines to treat these chronic diseases and enhance patients’ quality of life in the long run.
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, and diarrhea; studies reveal that C. sativa variants (THC and CBD) are often used to address these symptoms.
Many questions remain unanswered concerning the potential benefits of cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is due to the fact that various strains of the cannabis plant include a wide range of effects due to the presence of more than 140 chemicals. Concerns remain concerning their efficacy in treating inflammatory bowel disease.
These are some of the most crucial questions to ask:
- Which varieties (THC, CBD) could have positive effects?
- For IBD, how do they alleviate symptoms?
- What are the optimal preparations and doses?
- When used for extended periods, what precautions should be taken, if any?
Insufficient evidence exists, for instance, regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabis in controlling UC and CD symptoms, according to a 2020 review of trials using cannabis for IBD. Further study is required to determine whether or not cannabis is helpful for UC or CD symptoms and whether or not the potential risks outweigh the potential benefits.
In what ways can cannabinoids in cannabis alleviate pain and discomfort associated with inflammation and gastrointestinal distress?
Some researchers think that cannabinoids achieve their effects by emulating the body’s own endocannabinoids. Numerous physiological processes rely on endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
There is evidence from studies that
Cannabinoids from a Trusted Source (such THC and CBD) may stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors, resulting in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Some of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be alleviated by these compounds, which may have actions comparable to endocannabinoids.
low metabolic rate, difficulty losing weight, and poor appetite are all symptoms of a metabolic disorder.
Although cannabis has been shown to alleviate certain symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), research on its efficacy in treating this condition have been mixed. Research involving humans is required to determine the efficacy of cannabis in treating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Active studies for inflammatory bowel disease
Talk to your doctor about participating in clinical trials related to IBD research if you’re interested in taking part in research investigations.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mental health patients might benefit from the care provided in specialized medical settings.
- Supplemental vitamin D3 for individuals with active inflammatory bowel disease
- Reduced risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease and stress
- Discuss with your doctor whether or if you meet the criteria for participation in any of the other ongoing clinical trials for IBD.
Cannabis-related problems or side consequences
The effects of cannabis on the body vary widely. The effects of cannabis vary widely depending on variables such as the kind of cannabis (THC or CBD), quantity and intensity (level of THC), method of consumption (smoking vs. oral), other health problems, medicines, and the person using cannabis.
Among the possible immediate consequences are:
- Emotional swings
- nausea dry mouth dizziness
- improved calmness when snacking
- perceptual shift
- hallucinations (with excessively intense amounts of THC) (with extremely concentrated levels of THC)
The main other THC-related negative effects are:
- poor arterial pressure
- elevated heart rate due to nervousness
- sickness and retching, inability to focus, and rapid-fire thinking
- confusion
- lethargy
- Sleep disturbances anxiety issues with learning and memory paranoia
- psychosis (with excessively concentrated amounts of THC) (with extremely concentrated levels of THC)
- a state of utter reliance on
- Having a conversation about treatment options with your doctor
- Please with your physician before using cannabis to treat your IBD symptoms.
In other words, they may elaborate:
Cannabinoids with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pros and Cons Where to get it, what makes medical marijuana different from other types, how long an impact medical marijuana has, and whether or not it’s legal in your state
Your current IBD drugs may interact with cannabis as well. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before attempting any new OTC medications. Yes, it also refers to cannabis.
If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis, it’s best to have an open talk with your doctor about it. What you tell them must be kept secret under penalty of law.
Takeaway
Cannabis is a multifaceted substance with many permutations and uses. The effects of cannabis may vary depending on factors such as the strain used, the amount of THC present, and the method by which it was consumed. This is why the scientific rationale for cannabis’ therapeutic benefits is still murky.
Some studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) helps alleviate IBD symptoms, however these findings have been contradictory. The usefulness of cannabis for IBD, including the optimal dose, route of administration, and long-term effects, remains largely unclear. Before cannabis may be suggested for use in controlling IBD symptoms, further human research are required.
It’s also worth noting that cannabis legality varies by state. To learn more about the latest cannabis and IBD studies, see your doctor. You may ask them about potential jobs, safety, and long-term usage impacts, among other things. Inquire as to whether or not cannabis is a viable solution for you.