How Cannabis Improves Your Digestive Health

Medical marijuana has become a hot topic in recent years as studies continue to reveal the many benefits it offers. From blood pressure regulation to alleviating the effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients, the benefits of marijuana use for medical purposes cannot be underestimated. Medical cannabis can also be beneficial in improving gut health.

As studies continue to determine the viability of the product in treating gastrointestinal issues, patients report relief of specific disorders after use. Contents of marijuana, such as terpenes and some cannabinoids, interact with the body to regulate appetite and enhance overall digestive health. In this article, we take an in-depth look into how cannabis can help improve your gut health for better overall well-being.

1. Improved Appetite

The hypothalamus, found in the human brain, regulates the feeling of hunger and satiation. It responds to changes in two hormones, ghrelin (secreted in the stomach) and leptin (produced by the fat cells), to tell the body when to eat or stop eating. THC, the main component of marijuana, induces a feeling of hunger by binding to receptors in the hypothalamus, which stimulates the production of ghrelin. It can also interact with the olfactory bulb to improve the taste of food. These two effects can be beneficial for people with low appetite or those with digestive issues resulting from medical conditions or treatments such as chemotherapy.

2. Symptom Relief

Millions of people across the world suffer from different digestive disorders ranging from mild to severe. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common bowel diseases that affects the movement of muscles that allow for digestion and excretion of waste, also known as colic motility.

Colitis is a group of bowel diseases that cause inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of tissues in parts of the digestive tract, such as the colon. Crohn’s Disease is one of the most severe gastrointestinal problems. This kind of colitis interferes with the digestion of ingested food and limits the absorption of vital nutrients.

CBD, a compound found in medical marijuana, helps relieve pain and inflammation associated with these disorders. It can also help relieve constipation and diarrhea in affected patients. If you are on opioid medication, you may want to talk to a medical cannabis doctor about this treatment option. They often offer a wide selection of THCa flower, some of which can help reduce abdominal pain. It also helps reduce your dependency on opioid medications thus limiting the side effects.

3. Cannabis and Colorectal Cancer

Cancer has become a word to be frowned upon by many people. Many cancer patients have resorted to using medical marijuana to eliminate or reduce the severity of their symptoms. Most cancer treatments often cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, pain, and neuropathy. Medical marijuana has been found to significantly reduce these complications.

Recent studies into the benefits of marijuana for cancer patients have also provided anecdotal evidence on the same. A study conducted in 2018 involving 2,970 patients undergoing medical marijuana treatment showed that an astounding 95.9% of the patients who completed the study reported an improvement in their condition.

4. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is mostly characterized by severe abdominal pain and nausea. Although there is no scientific evidence showing that marijuana can treat the condition, most patients have reported experiencing milder symptoms upon use of medical marijuana. Usually, people with Celiac Disease will experience abdominal pain due to excess gas and bloating. These symptoms are present even in patients undergoing treatment and those following a gluten-free diet. Medical marijuana has been found to be a viable treatment for chronic pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Medical marijuana can also help you regain weight if you have lost weight due to Celiac Disease.

Endnote

Marijuana has proven to be a valuable option in treating different medical conditions. However, it is important to note that it has side effects of its own. You should consult with a medical marijuana expert before exploring this option to understand criteria such as strains, potency, and dosage.