Exploring the Link Between Cannabis Use and Gut Health

Cannabis is gaining increased attention for its potential health benefits. However, there is still a lot we don’t know about cannabis, so it can be hard to make specific recommendations for its use.

One area of growing interest is the effect of cannabis on gut health. More specifically, studies are starting to investigate the effect cannabis has on gut motility, or how food moves through the digestive tract.

In this blog post, we’ll review the science behind the use of cannabis for gut health, as well as how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

Understanding Gut Motility

To understand the relationship between cannabis and gut health, it’s important to understand what gut motility is.

Gut motility refers to the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive tract. This is what propels food through the digestive system and is crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Gut motility is a finely tuned process influenced by many factors, such as neuronal control, hormonal regulation, and dietary factors.

Disruptions in any of these areas can lead to digestive issues, which emphasizes the importance of keeping these factors in balance for optimal gut health. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is often referred to as the “bridge between the body and the mind.” It plays an important role in maintaining balance within the human body. The system has three key components:

• Receptors: There are two main receptors in the endocannabinoid system – CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system (particularly in the brain), while CB2 receptors are typically found in the peripheral nervous system, immune cells, and organs.
• Endocannabinoids: Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced naturally within the body. They bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors to initiate various physiological responses.
• Enzymes: Enzymes break down endocannabinoids once they’ve fulfilled their purpose.

Functions of the Endocannabinoid System

Some of the primary functions of the endocannabinoid system include:

• Homeostasis: The endocannabinoid system helps maintain internal balance, ensuring that our body functions within optimal ranges despite external changes.
• Mood Regulation: CB1 receptors in the brain play a significant role in regulating mood, stress responses, and emotional well-being.
• Immune Function: CB2 receptors are prevalent in immune cells and are involved in regulating immune responses and inflammation.
• Neuroprotection: The endocannabinoid system is involved in protecting the nervous system, with potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis

While the endocannabinoid system was discovered through the study of cannabis, its existence predates our understanding of the effects cannabis has on the body.

Cannabis compounds, known as cannabinoids, interact with the endocannabinoid system, mimicking the action of the endocannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoids include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Connection Between the Endocannabinoid System and Gut Function

There are several connections between the endocannabinoid system and gut function. They include:

• Regulation of Gut Motility: The endocannabinoid system plays a pivotal role in regulating gut motility. CB1 receptors are abundant in the enteric nervous system (the gut’s nervous system), which influences the movement of food through the digestive system. This ensures digestion proceeds smoothly.
• Inflammation and Immune Function: CB2 receptors, found primarily in immune cells, are crucial for modulating inflammatory responses in the gut. Activating CB2 receptors helps regulate immune function, preventing the excessive inflammation that can contribute to certain bowel conditions.
• Intestinal Barrier Integrity: The endocannabinoid system is involved in maintaining the integrity of the gut wall, an important defense mechanism that prevents harmful substances from entering the gut. A well-functioning endocannabinoid system contributes to a healthy gut barrier.
  

Cannabis and Gut Health: The Science

Since the cannabinoids found in cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system, it’s thought that cannabis influences gut function.

Cannabis and Gut Motility

Animal studies suggest that substances that bind to CB1 receptors (like the cannabinoids found in cannabis) reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. In other words? They slow down digestion. This could cause constipation to become worse. However, it may be beneficial for people with diarrhea, where gut transit is too fast.

Overall, there is a lack of human studies that look at the effects of cannabis on gut motility. While some animal studies suggest that cannabinoids reduce gut motility and therefore help with diarrhea, more studies in humans are needed before we can recommend cannabinoids such as THC and CBD as treatments for diarrhea.

Cannabis and Gastroparesis

There is also some evidence that cannabinoids can help with gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). Studies have shown that inhaled cannabis and oral extracts led to significant improvements in gastroparesis. Another study looking at the effects of CBD on gastroparesis found that CBD provided symptom relief in people with gastroparesis, improving their tolerance of liquid nutrition.

Cannabis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There is emerging evidence that cannabis can be beneficial for people with Crohn’s Disease. One study showed that medical cannabis use was associated with an improvement in disease activity and a reduction in use of other medications.

Another study found that people in the group receiving cannabis achieved complete remission more frequently than the placebo group. However, a different study looking at the effects of low-dose CBD found that it did not have any effect on Crohn’s Disease activity. This highlights the need for more studies to determine which cannabinoids are effective, and at what dose.

Considerations and Caveats

While the science behind cannabis and gut health is promising, it’s important to understand that there are individual variations in how a person responds to cannabis.

Plus, factors like dosage, frequency of use, and a person’s unique physiology can impact how cannabis affects them. Moreover, cannabis use is not without risk, including potential side effects and legal considerations.

Anyone considering cannabis for gut health should do so under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

The relationship between cannabis use and gut health is a complex and evolving field of study. While initial research is promising, it’s important to approach cannabis use for digestive health cautiously, as more research is needed to determine which cannabinoids and which doses are effective.

As we await further scientific exploration on the relationship between cannabis use and gut health, people interested in exploring cannabis use as part of their gut health strategy should consult with a healthcare provider first. 

If you’re interested in improving your gut health, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider like a dietitian who has experience with helping people manage their gut symptoms. Click here to get in touch with Blue Tree Nutrition and get support with your gut health.