Medical Marijuana For Nausea Relief – Can Patients Benefit?

We’ve all felt sick to our stomach at one time or another, but when nausea becomes severe and chronic, it can interfere with daily activities. Medical marijuana can provide relief from nausea, in some cases, almost immediately.

 

CBD vs. THC

Nausea is a significant problem for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It can lead to missed treatment sessions, reduced appetite, and the inability to keep food down. It is one of the most difficult symptoms to treat, and that is why many states consider severe nausea a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use. But does weed help with nausea or not?

Based on expert review, research has shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in nausea and vomiting. Cannabis compounds, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, mimicking the stimulus and response created by the natural cannabinoids in your body. This explains why marijuana can provide effective relief from nausea.

CBD has anti-emetic properties and is the non-psychoactive component of marijuana. It is also known to help with other health issues, including anxiety and depression. If you are considering incorporating marijuana into your daily routine, it is important to talk with your doctor before beginning. Marijuana may interfere with other medications you are taking, such as anti-anxiety medication or antibiotics.

Medicinal marijuana can be delivered orally or smoked in a joint or vaporizer. Smoking is considered the fastest way to feel the effects, but it can cause health risks that you should avoid if possible. 

 

Sativa vs. Indica

Sativa strains of marijuana generally have higher levels of THC than Indica strains. While both types of cannabis have anti-nausea properties, Sativas provide a more potent psychoactive experience and may boost energy levels, especially when suffering from chronic fatigue and anxiety disorders.

Medical marijuana is available in many forms, including tinctures. Tinctures contain glycerin or alcohol with medicinal cannabis that’s absorbed through the mouth and tends to kick in faster than edibles. They’re a great option when you need to feel the effects quickly, and they don’t release dangerous toxins into the air like smoking or vaping.

Patients who are experiencing nausea caused by cancer treatment or other conditions that suppress their appetite might want to opt for a Sativa strain. These strains have been shown to stimulate the appetite and increase food consumption in studies.

Pure Sativa cannabis is a rare find in the medical marijuana industry due to its difficult cultivation in northern climates and its high THC content, which can have harmful side effects. Consequently, cultivators often combine the properties of both sativa and indica plants to optimize harvests and medicinal effects. 

 

Chronic Pain

Unlike most antiemetics, cannabis treats nausea at the source by interfering with your brain’s signals. Cholinergic receptor blockers (like scopolamine), histamine receptor blockers (such as nabilone and dronabinol), and benzodiazepine-based anti-nausea drugs are effective for many patients. Still, they have significant side effects, including blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sedation. Medical marijuana interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce your nausea and stimulate your appetite.

A recent study found that 96% of people with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting experience almost immediate relief when using cannabis. This is particularly true when consuming sativa-based medicinal marijuana products such as cannabis flowers or concentrates that contain high levels of THC.

Many people suffering from chronic pain also suffer from nausea. Whether your pain is a result of the injury or surgery that caused it, or it’s a condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, medical marijuana can provide both relief for your nausea and pain at the same time.

 

Reduced Appetite

When severe nausea causes vomiting, it can be difficult to eat enough to get the nutrients your body needs. Medical marijuana can increase your appetite, especially when taken orally. However, it’s crucial to discuss consuming medical cannabis with your doctor or a dispensary employee before making any changes to your diet or medication.

The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain and triggers similar signals that your natural endocannabinoids create, suppressing conditioned gaping responses that cause nausea. These same compounds can also inhibit the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase, an enzyme that normally promotes the production of other toxins that cause nausea and vomiting in animals.

Unlike traditional antiemetic medications such as scopolamine patches and histamine blockers, which may take 30 to two hours to kick in and can have side effects such as blurred vision or dry mouth, medical marijuana takes effect within minutes. However, it’s essential to choose the right strain of marijuana and take it in a form that’s easiest for you to consume. In the case of weed, the right dose makes all the difference. It’s important to begin with a low dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired results. It’s also important to remember that some weed products, like edibles, can take longer to kick in than others.

*This is a collaboration post