CBD Oil for Gastrointestinal Disorders

A common reason for using CBD Oil is to relieve gastrointestinal complaints.

CBD Oil is increasingly considered a natural supplement option for various digestive system issues such as acid reflux, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These conditions affect the stomach and intestines, often causing pain, inflammation, bloating, or digestive disturbances.

How does CBD Oil exert its effects? 

The digestive system has two primary functions: breaking down and absorbing consumed food, and protecting the body from harmful external effects – such as bacteria and viruses. The so-called endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating bowel movements, inflammatory processes, and pain perception. It also contributes to protecting the intestinal mucosa, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bowel function.

The neural network found in the intestines is called the enteric nervous system, often referred to as the “second brain.” This nervous system can function independently and has a significant impact on digestion. The enteric nervous system contains two key cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, to which compounds in CBD Oil can bind and influence their activity.

Research suggests that in various gastrointestinal diseases, the number of these receptors may increase, indicating that the body’s own endocannabinoid system is working to restore disturbed balance.

Nearly 80 percent of our immune system is located in the gut.

The endocannabinoid system, including CB2 receptors, is also present in these immune cells, ready to reduce inflammation when needed. However, if the endocannabinoid system is not functioning properly, it may fail to produce the appropriate response to these factors, potentially leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.

Interestingly, people with mutations in genes encoding components of the endocannabinoid system are more likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and chronic abdominal pain – demonstrating that endocannabinoid dysfunction could be a triggering factor for gastrointestinal disorders.

Reflux and CBD Oil

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very common, affecting 20 percent of the adult population. It occurs when stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and/or a lump sensation in the throat. Reflux is often treated with medication, but some reports suggest these drugs may increase the risk of dementia and cancer. Other treatment options include special diets, remaining upright after meals, weight loss, and quitting smoking.

Animal studies have shown that stimulating the CB1 receptor with CBD Oil inhibits acid secretion and reduces damage and inflammation of the stomach lining. Preclinical research also found that the activation of the CB1 receptor by cannabinoids (a general term for chemical compounds extracted from the cannabis plant) prevented relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (the “gate” between the esophagus and stomach that prevents backflow of stomach contents), thereby reducing reflux.

Participants who reported positive effects noted less heartburn, and when symptoms did occur, cannabis oil use eased their discomfort. Most of the patients who reported benefits used products containing some THC. According to these reports, THC-containing CBD Oil appears to be the most effective for reflux. Another important finding of the study is that two cannabis terpenes, limonene and terpinolene, may also be helpful for reflux symptoms. (Terpenes are beneficial essential oils found in both authentic broad and full-spectrum CBD Oils.)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and CBD Oil

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term referring to chronic inflammation of the intestines. Its two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The exact cause of IBD is still unknown, but recent scientific studies suggest that “genetic predisposition and uncontrolled activation of intestinal immune cells” may be responsible for intestinal changes. Remember, immune cell function is regulated by the endocannabinoid system, which implies that endocannabinoid dysfunction might be the triggering cause of IBD and a potential treatment target.

Crohn’s disease can occur in any section of the intestines but most commonly affects the small intestine, causing inflammation, ulcers, pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon, producing symptoms similar to Crohn’s disease. Both conditions are associated with an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors reduces inflammation in animal models of colitis. According to 51 scientific studies on cannabis treatment for colitis (only two involving humans), twenty-four different compounds, including THC, CBD, and CBG, proved effective in reducing colitis.

Many studies report that 10-12 percent of people with inflammatory bowel disease use cannabis to manage their symptoms. Though the number of human studies is limited, results are promising:

- A 2012 study of 11 long-term Crohn’s patients and 2 with ulcerative colitis found that after 3 months of treatment, patients reported improvements in overall health, social functioning, work ability, physical pain, and depression. Statistically significant weight gain and BMI increases were observed.

- A 2011 survey involving 30 Israeli Crohn’s patients revealed that 21 experienced significant improvements from cannabis use, requiring fewer other medications and reducing the need for surgery.

- A 2013 survey of 292 patients treated for irritable bowel syndrome showed nearly half had used CBD Oil at some point. Of these, 32 percent reported using medical cannabis to address abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, and diarrhea, noting significant symptom improvement. Most reported that CBD Oil either fully alleviated symptoms or was very helpful in managing them.

- A 2019 study reviewed hospital records through the National Inpatient Database (USA), analyzing over 600 Crohn’s patients who used cannabis compared to those who did not. Findings included:

• Fewer strictures (secondary scarring due to chronic inflammation);
• Less bowel obstruction;
• Fewer fistulas and abscesses;
• Shorter hospital stays;
• Reduced need for blood transfusions;
• Fewer colectomy surgeries (removal of the colon);
• And less need for intravenous nutrition.

“I’ve evaluated many patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders who have experienced success with cannabis treatments. Almost every patient with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who came to my office had already exhausted conventional options before turning to cannabis treatments—but either did not respond or experienced intolerable side effects. Similar to previously mentioned findings, my patients reported improvements in symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating in response to cannabis treatment.” – Dr. Bonnie Goldstein.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and CBD Oil

IBS is one of the most common diagnoses made by gastroenterologists, affecting 35 million people in the United States alone.

IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or mixed types). The exact cause of IBS is not yet known, but endocannabinoid system insufficiency is suspected to be involved. Usually, there are no abnormalities detectable in blood tests or endoscopy, so IBS diagnosis is made based on patient history and symptoms after ruling out other possibilities.

People with IBS often suffer from other conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, temporomandibular joint disorder, chronic fatigue, acid reflux, anxiety/depression, or chronic pelvic pain. Chronic stress is linked to the development and/or worsening of IBS and should also be a focus of treatment.

Many patients with IBS who use CBD Oil report benefits, with most simply saying it “helps calm the gut.” Some patients report significant effectiveness when using low-dose full-spectrum CBD Oil in the evenings or as needed when inflammation flares. Others use CBD products daily to control symptoms.

Many experience improvements even at low doses. A proper diet, regular exercise, and stress management can support the endocannabinoid system, and those with IBS may achieve significant relief by combining these complementary methods with CBD Oil therapy.

Which CBD Oil should I use? 

There are two main types of CBD Oils: full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Quality products of both types contain cannabinoids other than CBD (CBDA, CBG, CBN...) and terpenes, but the important difference is that only full-spectrum CBD Oil contains THC.

Based on current research, it’s recommended to use products that contain CBD along with terpenes and other cannabinoids, ideally including THC and CBDA, since the combination of these cannabinoids proves more effective for treating various stomach and intestinal complaints. (Terpenes that particularly support the digestive system include terpinolene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene.) 

How soon will you feel the effects of CBD Oil? 

It’s important for patients with bowel diseases to understand that longstanding inflammation takes longer to respond to CBD Oil treatment. It can take 8-12 weeks to experience significant improvement, although many report symptoms easing within the first few weeks. Be patient and experiment with dosage! 

How much CBD should I take?

The necessary amount varies depending on the individual and condition. It’s advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase the daily intake. For detailed dosing guidelines, click here.

References:
Cannabis Is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD Are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain by Dr. Bonni Goldstein. © Copyright 2020. Available from Little, Brown Spark, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

It’s important to mention that CBD Oil is not a miracle cure! The foundation of maintaining good health is regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a stress-free lifestyle. None of these can be replaced by CBD! Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product containing CBD!

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