Key Takeaways
- CBD and THC may both help with certain symptoms of IBS, depending on the individual.
- To find the best varieties for IBS, consider your specific symptoms, check cannabinoid ratios, and verify with the packaging’s lab testing.
- Some of the best strains for IBS include: Platinum Cookies, Blackberry Kush, Grape Ape, Sour Tsunami, and Remedy.
If you’ve been to the dispensary lately, you understand how many strains and cannabinoid concentrations are available today. It’s great to have so many different cannabis products to choose from, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t already know what you’re looking for.
One key reason for so much variety in cannabis products is that certain cannabinoids or terpenes may help more with various conditions. For example, the best cannabinoids for IBS may vary from what’s best for pain or anxiety.
Which Cannabinoids Help Most With IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that can feel uncomfortable and make it difficult to go about your daily life. Those who struggle with IBS might be curious if cannabis can help with symptom management.
The body has a system called the endocannabinoid system. This system runs throughout the body and is the reason why cannabis delivers so many different benefits. The endocannabinoid system likely plays a significant role in the reason why cannabis can be helpful for those with IBS.
The good news is that research has found cannabinoids may help with IBS in many different ways. Cannabis may help provide relaxation, reduce inflammation, and help with motility – all things that can be beneficial for those dealing with IBS.1
One interesting paper noted that cannabis provided positive bowel benefits in those dealing with multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory conditions. This may indicate that cannabis has widespread intestinal benefits, including those that extend to IBS.2
Likewise, CBD may help with disease activity, intestinal inflammation, and barrier function.3 All of these factors suggest that using CBD for IBS could potentially be beneficial.
While it’s possible that using cannabinoids for IBS might be helpful, there’s a significant need for more research. There haven’t been many long-term studies to look at the effects of cannabinoids on IBS. Because of this, more research must be done before results can be generalized and definitive statements can be made in the medical community.
Which Cannabinoid Concentrations and Ratios Help Most With IBS?
When thinking about cannabinoids for IBS, it’s important to think about the combinations that are available to you. Each cultivar will have a combination of certain cannabinoids. Thinking about how certain combinations could bring you closer to your health goals is essential.
By combining different cannabinoids, you can get different benefits. This is important to note, as some people may find that one cannabinoid concentration works better for them than others.
When it comes to choosing between cultivars that are heavier in THC or CBD, it’s important to think about your overall goals. If you want an intoxicating product that will provide the high typically associated with cannabis, then a product higher in THC may be the right option for you.
However, CBD could be a better choice if you want to relax and continue going about your day. Using CBD for constipation and other IBS symptoms may be effective for some consumers.
Because there aren’t many reports about using cannabinoids for IBS, it’s difficult to say what the right dosage is. It’s typically recommended that you start low and go slow, increasing your dosage in the future if you don’t get the desired results from a lower dose.
As with all medical decisions, it’s important to speak with your doctor before you start using THC or CBD for diarrhea or other IBS symptoms. Making sure there aren’t any potential interactions between different medications you take is important, so be sure to speak with your doctor beforehand.
How to Choose Strains for IBS Based on Cannabinoid Content
You're not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the different cultivar options. It can be challenging to narrow your choices and ensure you’re on the right track, so let’s discuss choosing the best cannabinoids for IBS.
It’s important to consider your overall goals when choosing products, even if you have goals besides IBS management. For example, you may want help with constipation but also want to sleep better at night. Picking a product that’s effective for both symptoms can help you reach your overall health goals.
Many anecdotal reports find that hybrid cultivars are helpful. These varieties tend to provide comprehensive benefits, which can be beneficial for those using THC for IBS.
If you’re unsure which cultivars are right for your situation, consider heading to your local dispensary. While you’re at the dispensary, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the information you need to make an informed decision about cannabis use and which products are best for IBS.
Another thing to look at while you’re at the dispensary is the packaging of a specific product. Packaging can provide you with a lot of important information about a product, such as its cannabinoid profile and the testing it’s had. Third-party lab testing is an important part of product safety, so ask for a certificate of analysis (COA) before purchasing a cannabis product.
The 5 Best Strains for IBS Based on Cannabinoid Content
With the tremendous variety available, some strains may have more targeted cannabinoids for IBS than others. Determining if CBD or THC works for IBS is an incredibly personal journey, however. Some may respond well to one cultivar, while others may opt for a different variety to get the best symptom response.
- Platinum Cookies: This cultivar is known for delivering euphoria and relaxation. It may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, two things that are common in those with irritable bowel syndrome. This cultivar is high in THC, so it’s a potent option that provides a noticeable effect for most people.
- Blackberry Kush: This calming cultivar has a rich genetic history and provides soothing sedation. It’s typically recommended that this cultivar be used at night or when you want to relax deeply. This cultivar contains an average of 20% THC and can be helpful for those dealing with insomnia.
- Grape Ape: This cultivar contains 17.5% THC and 4% CBG, so it has a unique cannabinoid profile to deliver comprehensive benefits. This soothing option is often used at night, though it depends on your desired effects.
- Sour Tsunami: This cultivar contains 13% CBD and only 1% THC, making it worthwhile for those who don’t want to feel intoxicated. It may help you relax while still stimulating focus.
- Remedy: This cultivar is known for producing minimal intoxicating effects. It’s high in CBD, making it an excellent option for people who want IBS relief without the high that’s typically associated with cannabis.
References
- Brugnatelli V, Turco F, Freo U, Zanette G. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment. Front Neurosci. 2020 Apr 21;14:371. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00371. PMID: 32372912; PMCID: PMC7186328.
↩︎ - Goyal H, Singla U, Gupta U, May E. Role of cannabis in digestive disorders. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2017;29(2):135-143. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/meg.0000000000000779
↩︎ - Story G, Briere CE, McClements DJ, Sela DA. Cannabidiol and Intestinal Motility: a Systematic Review. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2023;7(10):101972-101972. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101972 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
