The connection between human gut health and cannabis consumption dates to 2000 years in human civilization. Man has known the beneficial effects of this wonderful product of nature. However, the modern world relies on empirical proof. The ill reputation of cannabis is due to the fact it not being a western phenomenon. This has led to it being not pursued by the western school of medicine. Though there is enough evidence on the impact of Cannabis in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Still, Cannabis is stuck in the back alleys of the scientific and medical community.
But, there is an increasing awareness and growing consensus within the medical community regarding medical cannabis. Clinical evidence is now being reported on the medical benefits of cannabis in gut health. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation is buoyed at the prospect of including medical cannabis into general medical practice on the account of increased reporting of medicinal benefits of cannabis.
How cannabis and the human body are in harmony
The human body and Cannabis both being a product of nature are strange but in all truth are in harmony. The cannabis plant is known to produce hundreds of chemicals which are known as cannabinoids.
THC and CBD are two of the most studied and well-known chemical substances. 9-delta Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical understood to give a high upon cannabis consumption, while Cannabinol (CBD) is known to beneficial for pain, stress, and anxiety.
Cannabinoid, Endocannabinoid System, and Cannabis
The wonder of nature is that the human body is now known to have a system called the Endocannabinoid system. This system is understood to control many human body functions. What is truly interesting is the fact that the Endocannabinoid System is named so because it has receptors for chemical substances which are similar in their structure to cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plants. These chemical substances are produced by the human body.
So, when we consume cannabis in whatever form, cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant enter our body and find ready receptors within our body. There are two kinds of receptors CB1 and CB2 present in our body for cannabinoids. These cannabinoids form associations like a key fit into a lock. This produces effects that affect are pain, inflammation, sleep, immune response, and digestion. Since the system is triggered by cannabinoids and about blank is present within our body it is called. Endocannabinoid System. We have now developed the capability to chemically synthesize them.
Cannabis and Gastroenterology
Currently, the majority of the evidence in support of Cannabis being a successful alternative exists as anecdotal evidence. Patients recount that cannabis consumption led to alleviation of nausea and inflammation caused in two major Gastroenterology Infections namely Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s. Regulatory licenses and the absence of proper clinical research are two major reasons for the dead-end that exists in recognition of cannabis as a possible medical solution to major GI ailments.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cannabis
It is being explored that Cannabis can affect inflammation in the IBD as the Endocannabinoid system affects inflammation. By positively triggering Endocannabinoid Receptor CB1 and CB2, through cannabis consumption. Research shows that low levels of Anandamide which is a cannabinoid in the intestine of a patient suffering from IBD.
Surveys conducted in North America with IBD patients reported that 18% of patients agreed to use Cannabis to seek relief from IBD-related nausea and inflammation.
Taking cannabis by both oral ingestion and inhalation is the preferred way to consuming cannabis in IBD patients in the North American continent.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-motility, and analgesic effects of cannabinoids have benefited the patients, even though the evidence may be tiny, but it gives hope for searching for more.
Cannabis treatment for Crohn’s Disease
A small group of patients suffering from Crohn’s disease reported improvement in appetite and sleep. They felt it was much more experience than they had with steroids. It is also well documented that cannabis is far from steroid in inducing dependency.
We are still in the early stages of our progress, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Treating Insomnia in Ulcerative Colitis with Cannabis
Many patients have reported that with cannabis they sleep much better. Insomnia is one of the prime issues due to medications. Insomnia is also known to cause anxiety. With sleep under control with Cannabis, most the cannabis users suffering from Ulcerative colitis express much relief which they equated to being cured.’
In addition, cannabis can reduce inflammation of the colon and rectum. It also affects the appetite in a positive manner.
Even a little relief, means a lot to patients suffering from years of discomfort. Little less pain, discomfort, and sound sleep are like heaven.
Science of Gut Health and CBD receptors
Medical Science is one when it is reported that there is a second brain in our body and it exists in our gut. There exists a system of nerves in the digestive tract. This system of nerves is the enteric nervous system and is also referred to as the second brain.
The well-renowned CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are an integral part of the Endocannabinoid system. These receptors are spread throughout the network of enteric nerves. Medical science says every gastrointestinal disorder involves the enteric nervous system. Involving the enteric nervous system through the cannabinoid receptors to tackle stomach disorders can be a novel way to treat symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.
As they say, the way to the heart goes through the stomach, the way to relieving gastrointestinal ailments could go through the enteric nervous system. Cannabis with more than 100 types of cannabinoids can work on ailments such as inflammation of the gut, pain, sleep, and appetite to provide relief to patients in inconvenience.
Best Cannabis Strains for Gastroenteritis Disorders
Inflammation is a common pain area connects the gastrointestinal disorder including Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.
Harlequin a Sativa-dominant hybrid contains neuroprotective properties and is an ideal painkiller without negligible couch-lock psychosis. Harlequin strain is much consumed during day hours for an uplifting experience.
Afghan Kush is recommended for nigh time. It is known to give you Indica couchlock. When your body is being thrashed and trashed with pain, resort to Afghan Kush and its anti-inflammatory properties to save you.
Blue Dream is renowned for swift action on pain due to its Sativa properties. Get a full-body experience to dissolve your aches and pain into the cerebral high delivered by the Blue Dream strain.
Please note that whenever taking cannabis for medical purposes, always consult with your doctor. Purchase your cannabis and its derivatives from a recognized and licensed dispensary.
