Top 5 Cannabis Strains for Managing IBS Symptoms

An intestinal condition known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) results in uncontrollably spasming colon muscles. Constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, cramping, and abdominal pain are all symptoms of IBS. It is recommended that you speak with a medical marijuana doctor if you are considering including marijuana in your treatment plan. The physician will evaluate your medical condition and determine whether marijuana is appropriate for you. 

The most conventional treatments for this chronic illness include dietary modifications, physical activity, mind-body exercises or counseling, probiotics, and medications like opioids, anticholinergics, and even antidepressants. This condition requires long-term care and management.

It’s interesting to note that cannabis has recently demonstrated promise as an IBS treatment. Cannabis may help lessen your symptoms, but there is no proof that it will cure the disorder.

The Potential of Cannabis in Managing IBS

Cannabis may help lessen IBS symptoms in a number of ways. According to a study, people who use cannabis and have IBS are more likely to seek medical attention for the condition.

Cannabis might have the ability to control colon contractions. Dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, has been demonstrated to slow down colon contractions in patients with IBS, particularly in those where diarrhea is prominent, despite the paucity of evidence from clinical trials.

Endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes make up the endocannabinoid system, a cell-signaling network that regulates various bodily processes. Since the endocannabinoid system controls inflammation, secretion, and gastrointestinal propulsion, a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency is frequently linked to the development of IBS.

Because of this, it is believed that two important cannabinoids in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), stimulate the endocannabinoid system by attaching to receptors in the digestive tract. The endocannabinoid system can then support gut health as a result.

According to a study conducted on patients with irritable bowel disease (IBD), cannabinoids directly reduced symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, poor appetite, and abdominal pain. Despite the fact that IBD and IBS are not the same disorder, they share a number of symptoms, leading some people to assume that IBS patients would also suffer from IBD.

Additionally, it might influence other receptors, like those for serotonin and opioids, which could lessen the inflammation and secondary stress or anxiety linked to IBS. Additionally, some strains increase appetite, which is often suppressed in IBS sufferers.

It is usually best to concentrate on strains with either a higher CBD content or a relatively balanced ratio of CBD to THC when selecting one for the treatment of IBS. CBD is not psychoactive, despite the fact that both strains have comparable anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Terpenes, the compounds that give various strains their distinct flavors and scents, can also have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and even gastroprotective effects. Caryophyllene, pinene, limonene, myrcene, and linalool are important terpenes to concentrate on for IBS.

Effective Methods to Use Cannabis for IBS Relief

For instant pain relief, smoking or vaping cannabis is the most efficient way to reduce pain. These are the two most common approaches that people with gastrointestinal disorders use, according to studies.

Another way to consume cannabis is through edibles if you do not require immediate symptom relief. Since this approach can offer longer-lasting relief from IBS symptoms, some people may find it helpful.

Top Cannabis Strains for IBS Relief

It’s crucial to remember that there isn’t a single best strain or variety of cannabis, and what suits one individual may not suit another. The list that follows is based on anecdotal evidence.

1. Cannatonic

One of the most widely used cannabis strains for medical purposes is Cannatonic. Its high CBD content of 17%—nearly three times higher than its THC content of 6%—is the cause of this.

It can therefore be used to treat chronic pain, including the gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS. Cannatonic’s low THC content also means that you won’t have to deal with any of the negative effects of the “high” that THC produces.

2. ACDC

People with chronic pain also frequently use ACDC, a strain with a high CBD content of 20%. Additionally, users report that it is a calming strain, meaning that it can help with the stress and anxiety that are frequently mentioned as a side effect of having IBS.

3. Blueberry Diesel

The THC content of Blueberry Diesel is between 14% and 23%, which is higher than that of some of the other strains discussed here. It is believed to provide its users with a calming high in spite of this.

IBS sufferers frequently experience nausea, a symptom that Blueberry Diesel helps to manage. It can also help lessen the anxiety that comes with having IBS.

4. White Widow

People with IBS-related symptoms may find White Widow helpful as it is well-known for reducing chronic pain. Because of the balanced ratio of THC to CBD, which triggers the “entourage effect” (the idea that these two cannabinoids function better when taken together rather than separately), it is among the best strains for this purpose.

5. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is another highly successful medical marijuana strain used for treating pain. According to anecdotal evidence, Blue Dream’s two cannabinoids and myrcene terpene may help ease stomach cramps and lessen nausea in relation to managing IBS symptoms.

Blue Dream is frequently recommended as a suitable option for newcomers who are interested in trying cannabis to see if it helps with their IBS. This is due to the fact that users say it tastes mellow rather than overbearing.

You must apply for a Minnesota medical marijuana card online if you plan to include marijuana in your treatment regimen. This will allow you to legally access marijuana in your state and prevent you from facing legal ramifications.