If you’ve ever gotten carsick or seasick, then you’ve experienced motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the brain becomes confused about the input it’s receiving. When the eyes and the inner ear receive different information, the rest of the body can become unsettled. Because the brain senses it might be in danger, certain motions – such as riding in a car or going on a roller coaster – can produce sickness.
Motion sickness is extremely common. It’s estimated that about 33% of people will be motion sick at some point in their lives, with women being more likely to experience it than men. Children are at the highest risk of developing motion sickness, but it’s entirely possible to experience it later in life.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness can have a variety of causes, and what causes motion sickness for you might not for someone else.
Possible causes of motion sickness include:
- Inner ear trauma
- Pregnancy
- Substance use
- Lack of sleep
While smoking itself may not cause motion sickness, it may intensify symptoms.1 Temporarily stopping smoking may help ease symptoms and allow the body to regulate.
Seattle Children’s Hospital notes that there can be a strong genetic predisposition toward experiencing motion sickness. If a parent experiences motion sickness, their child has a 50% chance of experiencing it as well.
Motion Sickness Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of motion sickness can be overwhelming. Understanding the symptoms of motion sickness can allow you to recognize the condition and take action to find relief quickly.
If you are motion sick, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Changes in breathing
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increased saliva creation
Motion sickness symptoms can range from mild to severe. What many sufferers may not realize is how cannabis can potentially help those who are experiencing symptoms.
How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Motion Sickness
Cannabis has been used by millions of patients to reduce symptoms of hundreds of conditions. So does weed help with motion sickness? While there is no evidence that cannabis can directly treat the condition, it has shown promise in alleviating several of the most distressing symptoms of motion sickness.
The two most prominent motion sickness symptoms that cannabis can help relieve are nausea and headaches. Researchhas shown that cannabis is effective in reducing nausea because of its interaction with the CB1 receptor.2
There is a need for more research to be done to learn how motion sickness and cannabis can interact. The majority of available studies used animal participants. While this can provide a good framework for future studies, further research utilizing human participants is essential.
One animal study found that Delta-9 THC cannabis produced large effects in reducing motion sickness symptoms, specifically regarding nausea.3 The same study also examined the impacts of CBD and found it did not ease nausea.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers motion sickness to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes motion sickness as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program.
How Nugg Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 21 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,000,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Motion Sickness
I feel nauseous when I go on boats. Could cannabis be the solution?
Many consumers have praised cannabis for its ability to effectively reduce nausea. Keep in mind that the same cannabis strain or product can have different effects on different consumers. As such, it’s recommended any consumer consult with their physician before using cannabis to treat any condition.
Is it possible to experience motion sickness while high?
It’s possible to experience motion sickness while under the influence of cannabis.4 If you’re noticing increased motion sickness that coincides with cannabis use, think about how much you’re taking and consider consulting with a qualified medical marijuana doctor who can help modify your dosage according to your needs.
Resources
1. Golding, John & Prosyanikova, Olena & Gresty, Michael. (2010). The effect of smoking nicotine tobacco versus smoking deprivation on motion sickness. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical. 160. 53-8. 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.09.009.
2. Parker, Linda A, Erin M Rock, and Cheryl L Limebeer. 2011. “Regulation of Nausea and Vomiting by Cannabinoids.” British Journal of Pharmacology 163 (7): 1411–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x.
3. Cluny, Nina L., Robert J. Naylor, Brian A. Whittle, and Farideh A. Javid. 2008. “The Effects of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Motion-Induced Emesis InSuncus Murinus.” Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 103 (2): 150–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-7843.2008.00253.x.4. Cluny, N.L., Naylor, R.J., Whittle, B.A. and Javid, F.A. (2008), The Effects of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Motion-Induced Emesis in Suncus murinus. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 103: 150-156. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-7843.2008.00253.x
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.
