Although vomiting is pharmacologically well controlled in people receiving chemotherapy, nausea remains a distressing symptom. CBD and THC, the psychoactive compounds in cannabis, both reduce nausea. Choose full-spectrum products containing both to get maximum relief.
Several cannabinoid agonists suppress both conditioned gaping in rats and vomiting in emetic species. This supports anecdotal reports that cannabis may help ease nausea.
CBD
From mild queasiness caused by food poisoning to the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy treatment, nausea is a common and difficult-to-treat symptom. While many prescription medications can help ease the sensation of nausea, they often have harsh or unwanted side effects. Cannabis, on the other hand, is an effective antiemetic.
Will cannabis help reduce nausea?CBD is one of the primary compounds in marijuana that can help with nausea. CBD works by activating a network of cell receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a collection of cannabinoid chemicals that act like natural endocrine hormones to keep the body and brain in balance. It also includes the cannabinoid -9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While research on ECS is ongoing, it is known that the endocannabinoids in CBD and THC have anti-nausea properties and are more effective than traditional anti-nausea medications.
Another way CBD can help with nausea is by interacting with serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that influences how you feel, including feelings of nausea and vomiting.
When using CBD to relieve nausea, it is best to use a product with a high CBD concentration and a low THC concentration. However, if THC is too stimulating, ask your doctor about CBD and THC medication.
THC
Nausea is one of the most common reasons people turn to cannabis and for good reason. The plant is a potent anti-nausea remedy. Cannabis’ calming effects dampen the signaling that triggers nausea and vomiting, and THC, in particular, may stimulate appetite. Many states with legalized medical marijuana have listed nausea as a qualifying condition because of its effectiveness.
The human body has a network of cell receptors called the endocannabinoid system that binds with cannabinoid chemicals produced naturally in the brain and body and similar molecules found in the cannabis plant. When these compounds bind with endocannabinoid receptors, they promote the expression of calming chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine, which help to manage and control the body’s movements, including the digestive tract.
Scientific studies have shown that medicinal cannabis can effectively reduce nausea and stimulate appetite in patients with cancer or AIDS, even when used as an alternative to traditional anti-nausea drugs like dronabinol or prochlorperazine. Medicinal cannabis is a safe option with few side effects. It is a viable treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea (CINV), HIV/AIDS-related nausea, or other chronic or severe nausea symptoms.
Whether caused by food poisoning, motion sickness, or a garden-variety hangover, nausea is a discomfort that can cause serious health consequences when left untreated. Over-the-counter medicines have limited efficacy and often come with a long list of warnings and possibly harmful side effects, so more and more people are turning to the plant for relief. Cannabis is a versatile and effective nausea treatment that can be consumed in various ways, including tinctures, edibles, vape pens, and more.
Vaporizers
A vaporizer is a device that turns liquid into a vapor that can be inhaled. The liquid usually contains cannabis distillate and a carrier solvent such as propylene or glycerol. It can also contain terpenes, which add flavor and promote entourage effects. Vaporizers are great for nausea relief because they deliver the benefits of THC and CBD quickly and effectively to relieve symptoms.
They can also be used with other cannabis products like edibles for a more gradual experience. Edibles can take up to an hour before they begin to have any effect, and sometimes they don’t work for everyone. Moreover, they may have too many psychoactive effects for someone suffering from nausea.
Another benefit of a vaporizer is that you can control the dosage. If you’re a new user or want to use cannabis for medical purposes, starting with low THC dosages is best. This will ensure that you don’t have any adverse side effects.
There are many ways to reduce nausea, but few are as effective and non-invasive as cannabis. It’s one of the best medicines for relieving nausea and a must-have for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It’s a very effective remedy for the vomiting caused by some chemotherapy drugs and helps restore appetite. It’s also an excellent way to treat chronic pain and anxiety disorders.
Edibles
From mild queasiness caused by food poisoning to debilitating nausea and vomiting symptoms of cancer chemotherapy, medical marijuana has proven effective for several ailments, including nausea. Cannabis can be a natural alternative to traditional over-the-counter antiemetic medications that often have dangerous side effects.
Research has shown that inhaling THC from smoking flowers can help suppress nausea by directly impacting the dorsal vagus nerve, which controls the vomiting reflex (4). Cannabis is also believed to suppress nausea by activating the endocannabinoid system in many different ways, some of which are still being investigated.
Edibles offer a safe and convenient option for those hesitant to smoke or vape. The cannabinoid and terpenes are absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, entering the bloodstream to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors quickly. Edibles can take a little longer to start working than smoked flowers, however, and the timing of the effects can vary widely based on a variety of factors, including individual metabolism, diet, and genetics.
For new users of edibles, starting with a very small dose is recommended. It is easy to ingest too much and experience negative effects, especially for those inexperienced with edibles’ potency. If you are a regular cannabis user, beginning with a small dosage is still recommended to ensure your body can handle the effects of edibles before consuming more.
