Nausea can be caused by various factors, from motion sickness to irritable bowel syndrome or chemotherapy treatments. It’s a debilitating discomfort that can leave people feeling miserable. Thankfully, cannabis can help to relieve nausea and vomiting. Research has shown that high THC doses of marijuana are more effective than traditional antiemetic medications.
Cannabinoids
When asked to check off medical conditions that could potentially be treated by cannabis, respondents most commonly selected depression, chronic pain, anxiety, spasms, and nausea. More than half of them also checked off PTSD as an additional condition that might be effectively treated with medical cannabis. The human body has a natural system of regulating cellular processes and responses known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system uses cannabinoid receptors to control critical physical parameters, including mood, pain perception, and appetite. Cannabinoids are chemicals found in the marijuana plant that interact with these receptors. They can produce both psychoactive and therapeutic effects. THC and CBD are two of the most well-studied cannabinoids. THC is the most psychoactive cannabinoid and produces the high associated with cannabis use. CBD does not produce a high but has been shown to have many health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
THC
Does cannabis help with nausea? Cannabis containing high levels of THC is an effective antiemetic that helps control nausea and vomiting. It works by binding to endocannabinoid receptors in the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, blocking the 5-HT3 receptors and decreasing the release of serotonin. It also reduces the activation of pre-synaptic CB1 receptors, which causes a reduction in nausea and vomiting. Studies of plant-based cannabis have shown that it is significantly more effective than pharmaceutical anti-nausea medications for cancer chemotherapy-related nausea. However, it is essential to note that excessive cannabis use can cause a severe condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). A recent study tracked real-time cannabis self-administration sessions by patients who reported using cannabis to manage their CINV and AIDS-related nausea. This allowed researchers to identify which product characteristics were most relevant to symptom relief. For example, collaborative consumption compared to vaporizers was associated with better symptom control.
CBD
Cannabis is becoming more popular because it has been shown to help people manage symptoms like pain, anxiety, and nausea. However, before trying, people should know the potential side effects and speak to a healthcare professional. CBD is one of more than 80 phytocannabinoid chemicals found in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce a high and has been shown to have many medical benefits. It can be found in oil, tinctures, and edibles. It can also be infused into other products, such as clothing and beauty. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prescription medication that contains CBD. It has been shown to reduce seizures associated with two rare, severe forms of epilepsy in children. It has also been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic condition that causes multiple tumors to form on various organs.
Edibles
Cannabis edible can be a very effective way to curb nausea. It can also be used to combat pain, and it can help with sleep problems. However, it is essential to start with a low dose. Edibles with high levels of THC can have a psychoactive effect and may cause your heart to beat faster than usual. Studies show that cannabis can reduce nausea symptoms, including vomiting, in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It can also help with anticipatory nausea, which occurs when patients become nauseous when they think about their chemotherapy treatment. Cannabis is as effective as conventional anti-nausea drugs. It also has fewer side effects than many prescription medications. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before using cannabis for medical purposes. They can advise which cannabis strains are best for your nausea symptoms.
Gummies
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common side effect of many cancer treatments. Cannabis can significantly reduce CINV symptoms, and research suggests that plant marijuana, inhaled or ingested, may work as well as standard anti-nausea medications. Gummies and capsules are convenient, easy to use, and can control nausea as effectively as inhaled forms of cannabis. Some studies indicate oral cannabis may be more effective than the current standard antiemetic drug, prochlorperazine. In a study of 2,220 cannabis self-administration sessions tracked anonymously, researchers found that most people experience nausea relief within an hour. The results of this study also show that common product characteristics are associated with more symptom relief, such as high THC / low CBD ratios or consumption through joints rather than pipes or vaporizers. However, it should be noted that a small percentage of participants developed CHS (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome) symptoms, including severe dehydration and “scrolling” (vomiting and screaming). This is a serious complication of cannabis use that requires medical attention.
Capsules
A capsule is a small container made of two parts: a smaller-diameter “body” and a larger-diameter “cap.” The body is filled with dry ingredients and sealed using a solution of gelling agents, such as gelatin or plant polysaccharides (carrageenan). Gelling agents can also contain plasticizers, disintegrants, flavoring agents, preservatives, and lubricants. Capsules can be either hard-shelled or soft-shelled. The former is used for dry powdered products and the latter for oils or active ingredients that must be dissolved in liquids before they can be taken by mouth. Several small trials have evaluated cannabis or cannabinoids for various conditions, including chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, and pain from chronic illness. In general, the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed. However, a recent analysis of prescription data from Medicare Part D enrollees in states with medical access to cannabis suggests that patients are replacing opioid medications with cannabis. Two randomized controlled trials have reported modest evidence that cannabinoids improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury or intracranial hemorrhage.