Cannabis and Gut Health

Hey folks! Time again for an entertaining and educational foray into the world of cannabis knowledge (otherwise known as Weeducation). Everyone knows that cannabis is amazing. Not only because of the euphoric high but also because of the myriad therapeutic benefits that come from cannabis consumption. The system in our body that benefits the most from cannabis is arguably our stomach, with ganja being utilized medicinally by many different people suffering from a veritable cornucopia of different gut health issues. So, with that in mind our focus this week is going to be on how weed can help improve our gut health, because no one likes an angry tum-tum. Disclaimer: We are not doctors and our opinions on health matters are…well, opinions and should in no way be considered medical advice. When in doubt, ask a healthcare professional. Anyway, on to the learnin’!

My Gut and I

                Before we talk about how cannabis can potentially help with keeping our tummies happy, we should lay out what gut health means when it relates to our overall health. Your gut is home to a frickan clown car’s worth of different microorganisms, viruses and bacteria that all work together in a balanced system called a microbiome to break down food and extract nutrients in order to power your body and mind. If this delicate system is thrown out of whack by a poor diet, allergic responses or a myriad other big and small factors, it can have devastating effects on a person’s life and lifestyle. Glitches in your gut biome can result in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as issues with one’s mental health such as fatigue, trouble sleeping and anxiety. All and all, gut health is integral in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

My Gut and Weed

                Now, how does cannabis fit into this picture? Advocates for the stickiest of ickies have long praised weed for being a fix all for stomach issues. Not only can it help alleviate aches and pains resulting from inflammation, but it can also trigger appetite responses in people who have conditions or diseases that otherwise make having an appetite tricky business. So, anecdotally it’s always been pretty common knowledge that cannabis is good for your gut, but the question is why? One big part of the answer to that question lies in the anti-inflammatory properties of major cannabinoids like THC and CBD which are both more effective at bringing down inflammation than many of the readily available drugstore options. Another part of it comes down to the responses produced by our gut itself when cannabinoids are introduced to it. Cannabis can influence the development of gut bacteria and has been shown in lab studies to improve gut barrier function, which directly affects our comfort, digestive processes and mood.

One cannabinoid in particular, the noble CBG (otherwise known as the mother cannabinoid because it’s the first one produced by cannabis) has several very interesting, positive impacts on our gut health. Recent studies have shown that when CBG is introduced to the cannabinoid receptors in our gut, a response occurs which reduces the production of gastric acid, thus helping to alleviate things like acid reflux and heartburn. In addition to that, CBG also helps to bind serotonin (a chemical which transports information between our different organs) to receptors in our gut, thus helping to improve our moods and regulate that aforementioned microbiome.

In Conclusion

                So, to summarize, cannabis and its chemical properties work wonders on our overall gut health, but more research is needed to really determine the long-term effects of cannabis consumption on the oft times sensitive biomes that exist in our respective digestive organs. CBG in particular is something to look towards if you’re experiencing issues stemming from an imbalanced or traumatized gut system. As always though, if you’re experiencing chronic issues relating to your gut health, consult a physician. When it comes to your health it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Till next time folks!

Looking for something to help your tummy? Check out our menu for options that include CBG, so you can see if they’re right for you!