Weed for IBS: What the Latest Research Says

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might be a relatively common type of gastrointestinal (GI) condition, inflicting stress upon 10% to 15% of Americans, but scientists have yet to find a cure. However, many patients have started to consume medical weed for IBS symptoms, and researchers have begun to study it as a possible aid in relieving symptoms like constipation and diarrhea associated with IBS.

One study of 7,163 IBS patients found that cannabis use helped to reduce hospital costs and charges.¹ Other studies support the notion that cannabis may balance the digestive system by exerting protective effects.²

So, how does weed help irritable bowel syndrome? 

What is IBS?

People who suffer from this GI syndrome may endure constant abdominal pain and bowel movement fluctuations. While it is possible to have IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at the same time, they are not the same. Generally, IBS involves multiple symptoms that occur unexpectedly and without obvious signs of a problem in the digestive system. Conversely, IBD is an inflammatory gut disease or disorder (not a syndrome) that causes destructive intestinal inflammation. 

What Are the Symptoms of IBS?

Although IBS is not considered disabling by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the symptoms can be debilitating and life-disrupting. Women tend to suffer from the symptoms of IBS more frequently than men, with the majority of patients noticing a problem during adolescence. A diagnosis involving blood tests, fecal samples, and a comprehensive physical exam may confirm whether or not you're experiencing IBS symptoms, which may occur simultaneously or separately. 

Your doctor may advise lifestyle changes to help manage the following IBS symptoms:

• Bowel incontinence
• Backache
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty peeing (e.g., sudden urges to urinate, bladder feeling “full” after peeing, lack of control, and frequent urination) 
• Farting (flatulence) 
• Low energy levels and tiredness
• Mucus discharge from the anus (with or without passing stools) 
• Sickness (nausea) 
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Straining while defecating 
• Swollen, inflamed anal veins (hemorrhoids) 
• Tears in skin lining the anal opening (anal fissures) 

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors?

Doctors are still trying to figure out the exact cause of IBS, but symptoms usually intensify with feelings of anxiety and stress. Reducing your intake of certain carbohydrates and high-gluten foods is essential to reduce the chances of a flare-up.

Making yourself aware of the following risk factors of IBS may also help you to prevent outbreaks:

• Alcohol intake
• Drug-induced complications
• Early life stress
• Gut microbe changes
• Intestinal parasitic infection (giardiasis)
• Intestinal muscle contractions
• Nervous system imbalance
• Severe infection

How is IBS Typically Treated?

Depending on the severity of IBS—mild, moderate, or severe—your designated healthcare professional may recommend or prescribe certain medicines, such as probiotics and mental health therapies. Dietary changes focusing on increased fiber, reduced/zero gluten, or the low FODMAP diet may also provide symptomatic relief. 

Experimenting with multiple treatments is common to achieve optimum outcomes. 

Benefits of Using Weed for IBS

Imbalances in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may affect the onset of IBS, suggesting that nourishing the ECS with cannabis-derived cannabinoids might ease IBS symptoms. An underperforming ECS can cause disturbances in the body's natural microflora, appetite and digestion issues, bowel movement changes, pain and inflammation, and immune system issues. Consequently, patients may struggle with IBS-associated side effects, including chronic fatigue, increased pain sensitivity, migraine, mood disorders, and sleeping problems.³

Can Weed for IBS Reduce Multiple Symptoms? 

Symptomatic relief is determined by strain choice, dosage, consumption method, and the individual's biochemistry. Scientific evidence supports that cannabinoid receptors, once activated, may ease gut pain and sensitivity.⁴ 

Cannabis compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD may bind with these receptors, including the synthetic medicine Dronabinol. Studies show that Dronabinol successfully relaxes the colonic region, decreases intestinal pain and sensitivity, and improves digestion among patients with different forms of IBS. ¹ Combined with peppermint extract, these oil-based cannabis formulations may improve abdominal cramps, spasms, and pain.³

What about THC and IBS? 

Research suggests that the intoxicating compound THC could soothe muscular contractions, control stomach and intestinal acid build-up, and even shield against ulcers.  THC activates CB1 receptors inside the gut, regulating muscle tension in the intestinal walls; the cannabinoid may promote proper bowel movements. ⁵Similarly to THC, the fatty acid palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) — which is contained in egg yolks, peanuts, and soybeans — may directly or indirectly influence CB1 receptors, potentially reducing abdominal pain.³

Weed and IBS: Are There Any Risks?

Weed for IBS is an understudied subject area, and more in-depth studies are necessary to pinpoint potential risks. Regardless of cannabis’ notable medical benefits, there are certain risks to consider when consuming THC-rich strains. Cannabis intoxication, particularly at high doses, may cause unfavorable side effects in some patients, like anxiety, fear, paranoia, and panic.⁶

Does Cannabis Interact with IBS Medications? 

Existing case studies fail to outline the potential side effects of combining cannabis and IBS medications. Consuming cannabis carelessly alongside certain medicines may prevent the treatment from working effectively. To prevent potentially hazardous side effects, it's important to speak with a doctor. 

Does Weed Cause Constipation? 

A national survey sample of U.S. adults found that recent cannabis users were 32% less likely to experience constipation than former or non-consumers. The team discovered that food moves through the bowel more slowly after patients consume certain cannabis compounds.⁷ CBD strains may benefit patients with constipation due to CBD’s ability to regulate the relaxing and contracting of gut muscles. 

Weed as a Treatment for IBS

Due to the limited number of successful trials on small patient groups, high-quality studies must take place before specifying the suitability of weed for constipation and other IBS symptoms.⁴ 

The exact bodily changes that occur in patients diagnosed with this gut disorder remain a mystery. Still, existing research shows that cannabis compounds might improve and prevent the onset of IBS symptoms.² 

Is Weed for IBS Beneficial Alongside Current Treatments?

With a doctor's approval and careful consumption habits, cannabis for IBS might be a promising supplementary medicine. Patients might consider using cannabis for controlling a variety of IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain and discomfort, regulating normal bowel movements, easing intestinal inflammation, and balancing important signaling between the brain and gut.² 

Tips for Using Weed for IBS

Each experience with cannabis and IBS depends on product type, dosage, consumption method, and tolerance. Patients should stick to their doctor-prescribed medication, using cannabis as an additional remedy for symptomatic relief after consulting with a certified healthcare professional. 

What is the Best Dosage of Weed for IBS?

Stick to the “low and slow” rule to assess cannabis’ effects. Doctors advise starting with 2.5mg-5mg and increasing gradually until the desired effects are reached. With smoking or vaping, inhale once every 15-30 minutes until symptoms diminish.⁸ Prevent the potentially unpleasant side effects of cannabis and IBS, and avoid consuming cannabis with other intoxicating substances, like alcohol or drugs. 

Are Edibles a Good Choice for IBS? 

Gluten-free edibles are formulated to produce slow-release, long-lasting effects (2-8 hours), potentially benefiting IBS patients who require pain relief throughout the day or night. However, edibles may not be the best choice for patients who need fast relief due to the delayed onset (30 minutes-2 hours).  

Ask a Budtender: Which Weed Products are Best For IBS?

When buying weed for IBS, look for a few qualities. If possible, look for a certificate of analysis (COA) to confirm quality and safety. 

Some of the most popular types of weed for IBS include:

• Capsules - A convenient method of consuming weed for IBS, capsules get to work within 30-90 minutes. 
• Tinctures - Dropping an oil-based tincture on or below the tongue is one of the fastest (20-30 minutes) and discreet ways to use weed for constipation. 
• Edibles - Cannabis edibles can be store-bought or homemade for controlled dosing. Edibles effects peak after 3-4 hours. 
• Smokable Cannabis Flower - Smokable products tend to work best for IBS patients since they offer rapid onset effects that surface within minutes or seconds. 
• Vape Carts - An alternative to smoking, the effects of oil-filled carts typically reach a peak 5-10 minutes after the initial inhale. 

Reading testimonials or reviews from patients struggling with the same IBS symptoms may help narrow down your options. Experimenting with a variety of cannabinoid and terpene blends may present the best outcome.  

References

1. Choi C, Abougergi M, Peluso H, Weiss SH, Nasir U, Pyrsopoulos N. Cannabis Use is Associated With Reduced 30-Day All-cause Readmission Among Hospitalized Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022;56(3):257-265. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001498
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2. Gotfried J, Naftali T, Schey R. Role of Cannabis and Its Derivatives in Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease. Gastroenterology. 2020;159(1):62-80. doi:https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.03.087 
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3. Brugnatelli V, Turco F, Freo U, Zanette G. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2020;14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00371
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4. Hornby PJ, Prouty SM. Involvement of cannabinoid receptors in gut motility and visceral perception. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2004;141(8):1335-1345. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0705783 
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5. 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
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6. Turner AR, Spurling BC, Agrawal S. Marijuana Toxicity. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430823/
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7. Adejumo AC, Flanagan R, Kuo B, Staller K. Relationship Between Recreational Marijuana Use and Bowel Function in a Nationwide Cohort Study. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2019;114(12):1894-1903. doi:https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000000441
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8. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
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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.