In Gastrointestinal diseases, the intestinal tract is affected from the mouth to the anus. It has two types: functional and structural. People with gastrointestinal disease might experience; nausea/vomiting, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, and diarrhea. Diarrhea and colorectal cancer are the types of gastrointestinal diseases. Gastrointestinal diseases can be treated or prevented by the use of medical marijuana.
Marijuana and many of its derived products help the patient in relief via ECS (endocannabinoid system). It influences gastrointestinal homeostasis through anti-inflammatory and anti-secretory effects. Cannabis is also helpful in pain relief, diarrhea, and nausea.
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What is Gastrointestinal pain?
The digestive system is a vast and complex part of our body. Its function is to help the body absorb essential nutrients and eliminate waste. People face various digestive disorders; symptoms and severity vary from person to person. Some common disorders include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The term “Gastrointestinal pain” is associated with various issues linked with the abdominal region, such as bloating and gas. In some cases, these symptoms come along with diarrhea and constipation. Two other issues that may result in gastrointestinal pain are; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If an IBS patient suffers from gassiness, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and bloating, the patient may feel relief after defecation.
In IBD, patients may experience chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, which has two types; Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. IBS causes inflammation in the large intestine’s inner lining, while Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in all layers of the digestive tract.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal pain:
The most common symptom of gastrointestinal disease is; a cramp that eventually comes and goes on its own. Patients with gastrointestinal disease also experience pain that is localized in the area of the abdomen. These cramps may cause problems in a particular organ. Symptoms of this disease vary from person to person. Ulcerative colitis symptoms include; abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. No matter what condition you are suffering from, frequent visits to your physician are recommended.
Patients may also experience these severe symptoms during gastrointestinal disorder:
- Bloody stool
- Vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe swelling of the abdomen
- Yellow eyes or skin
- High fever
- Nausea
The disease may remain undetected until the patient either schedules a medical checkup. Otherwise, the condition becomes worse if it remains ignored.
How does marijuana work for gastrointestinal pain?
Cannabis products have been used for medical purposes for several years. Marijuana interacts with Endogenous Cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract, which may reduce pain and spasms.
Studies show that patients who use cannabis-derived products like marijuana experience a significant reduction in disease activity, weight gain, and gastrointestinal disease symptoms.
Top 5 Marijuana Strains for Gastrointestinal pain
The five most effective cannabis strains that can help patients with Gastrointestinal pain are:
Tangerine
Consumers experience joy and sudden relief in pain after using this marijuana strain. It contains 13 to 18% of THC and up to 2% of CBD. This marijuana strain provides a feeling of calm and relaxation but is not sleeping. It tastes zesty, sweet, and like pineapple. It is used to alleviate stress and relieve chronic pain, inflammation, and associated symptoms of gastrointestinal pain. Consumers of this marijuana strain may experience a pleasant “high” effect.
Blueberry Diesel
This is a hybrid flower made by the cross of Blueberry and Sour diesel. In taste, it’s earthy, with citrus, pine notes, and a sweet flower of blueberry. It has a high level of THC, around 20%, and 1%CBD only. It is ideal for treating nausea and its associated symptoms. If you smoke this marijuana strain, it will give you happy, calming, and relaxing effects. These Medical marijuana strains are used to treat pain and inflammation, decrease anxiety in gastrointestinal patients, and eliminate fatigue. This marijuana strain has long-lasting results. The patient experiences the ability to function and be productive after using the Blueberry Diesel marijuana strain. After regular use, consumers may feel more focused than before.
Tutankhamen
Its THC level is 18% to 29%, which is too high compared to other marijuana strains, which causes a powerful “high” effect. Because of its intense high effect, this marijuana strain is used to treat gastrointestinal pain. Consumers of this marijuana strain experience the feeling of numbness which may relieve their pain/cramps. It also provides patients with an energy boost. It has a sweet, fruity flavor. Consumers of marijuana love this strain because of its energy-boosting effect and feeling of joy. It also helps in treating PTSD and stress and relieving pain.
Gigabud
This marijuana strain is known for its intense physical high effect, which can divert a person’s mind from any pain and aches that they might experience before. It contains 18 to 19% of THC and a meager CBD. The effect of this marijuana strain elevates the person’s mood and also gives an energetic effect. Despite its effect, the person’s mind remains clear and focused. It tastes like classic herbal and pine. This marijuana strain is also famous for alleviating stress and relieving people with insomnia.
Durban Poison
Durban poison is famous among patients because of its quick response to the symptoms of certain medical conditions. Patients experience relief from pain, nausea, and ease in chronic pain. Durban Poison also improves the appetite of the patient. It has up to 26% THC and only 1% CBD. It has a sweet, earthy aroma and tastes like lemon. It provides energizing, uplifting, relaxing, and productive effects. This marijuana strain is commonly used to treat anxiety, pain, depression, and stress. It is also helpful in treating nausea and stimulating appetite.
Final thoughts
It is best to consult a medical professional before consuming cannabis for your gastrointestinal pain because symptoms and results may vary from person to person. Gastrointestinal pains are common and can be severe enough that you may land in an emergency.
Research shows that cannabis can reduce gastrointestinal pains and treat nausea and other associated symptoms of this digestive disorder. But it’s better to be careful when starting any new medication. It may react with the old medicine you already use for the treatment. It would be best if you get a medical cannabis recommendation online by consulting a medical marijuana doctor. If you live in New Jersey, you may opt for a consultation with MD Ganja.
