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Read how cannabis
compares to
other GI treatments.
Research suggests that cannabis is effective in treating the symptoms of these GI
disorders because it works on the endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the digestive
tract, calming spasm, assuaging pain, and improving motility. Cannabis has
also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties13-15 and recent research has
demonstrated that cannabinoids are immune system modulators, either enhancing
or suppressing immune response.16-17...read
more research.
The effectiveness of cannabis for treating symptoms related to gastro-intestinal disorders is widely recognized. Its value as an anti-emetic and analgesic has been proven in numerous studies and has been recognized by several comprehensive, government-sponsored reviews, including those conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the U.K. House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, the Australian National Task Force on Cannabis, and others. The IOM concluded, "For patients . . . who suffer simultaneously from severe pain, nausea, and appetite loss, cannabinoid drugs might offer broad-spectrum relief not found in any other single medication."12 The most common gastrointestinal disorders—Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease—affect millions of people. The disorders are different, but each causes a great deal of discomfort and distress and can be disabling. Painful cramping, chronic diarrhea or constipation, nausea, and inflammation of the intestines are all symptoms of the disorders and conditions for which cannabis may be effective. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or both. Chronic, painful abdominal cramping is common. The cause of IBS is not known, and there is no cure. Researchers have found that the colon muscle of a person with IBS begins to spasm after only mild stimulation. IBS is at least partly a disorder of colon motility and sensation. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to both Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine. Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the lining and wall of the large and/or small intestine. The causes of IBD are not known, but there are indications that the disease has a genetic component. The immune system changes that accompany IBD suggest that it may be an immune disorder. The most common symptoms of Crohn's Disease are pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and weight loss. There may also be rectal bleeding and fever. The most common complications of Crohn's Disease are blockage of the intestine and ulceration that breaks through into surrounding tissues. Surgery is sometimes required. The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and rectal bleeding. Some people may be very tired and have weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and loss of body fluids and nutrients. Joint pain, redness and swelling of the eyes, and liver problems can also occur. Hospitalization and surgery are sometimes needed. |
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