How Marijuana Helps Treat nausea

Medical Marijuana For Nausea

  • Best marijuana strains for treating nausea.
  • How medical marijuana helps treat nausea.
  • How cannabinoids and terpenes affect nausea.
  • Studies on medical marijuana for nausea.
  • Best cannabis products for treating nausea

Americans are using medical marijuana to treat nausea in increasing numbers. In this article, we’ll take a look at how medical marijuana relieves nausea as well as talk about some studies on marijuana for nausea and which products and delivery methods are most effective.

Everyone on the planet has experienced nausea at one point, and naturally, we all try to avoid that despicable feeling whenever possible. The best way to relieve nausea is to expel the offending substance from the body. Be that as it may, vomiting is something most humans desperately wish to avoid. And there are some instances when there’s nothing in the stomach to expel in which case vomiting can be harmful. 

Treating disease can, itself, be the cause of nausea. For example, certain medications and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can induce periods of relentless nausea and vomiting. 

Medical marijuana has, for decades, proven to be a safe and effective way to treat nausea. Millions of patients worldwide will attest to its innate ability to bring tremendous relief from nausea and vomiting. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how and why marijuana is a viable medication for nausea and vomiting, as well as what strains, formulas, and delivery methods will offer the most relief.

What causes nausea and how does marijuana help?

The physiology behind nausea is complex, involving the brain, the GI tract, and the central nervous system. When it comes to effective relief from the symptoms of nausea, receptors in the GI tract and brain play an important role in the production and uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In fact, medications called antiemetics are specifically designed to block the nausea-inducing effects of a sudden serotonin release.

Other conditions can also cause nausea, including:

There is one medical condition that should not be treated with medical marijuana and that is morning sickness. Pregnant women should avoid using marijuana unless specifically directed by their physician. 

Decades Of Medical Marijuana utilization

Medical marijuana has been utilized for decades by HIV/AIDS and cancer patients undergoing treatments – treatments that are known to cause excruciating bouts of nausea. The healing herb now has a reputation for being a natural, highly effective solution for all types of nausea.

Findings gleaned from vast amounts of data emphatically indicate the involvement of the ECS in the regulation of vomiting, nausea, and food intake. Endocannabinoid receptors are stimulated by two extremely active endocannabinoids created by our own bodies — namely: anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, also known as 2-AG.

The human body’s innate human endocannabinoid system or ECS is intimately has been shown to be intimately involved in the regulation of both neural and endocrine functions. Extensive laboratory research indicates that supplementing this system with cannabinoids produced in marijuana significantly reduces the urge to purge. 

THC For Nausea

Research is still being conducted in order to fully understand the mechanisms behind delta-9-THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid found in marijuana, and its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting. 

THC triggers receptors in the brain, producing similar stimuli and reactions as those created by the body’s naturally-produced endocannabinoids. In particular, THC has an uplifting effect that can help induce a more positive state of mind in patients suffering from severe nausea, both helping to control it and making it a bit more tolerable. 

Products containing more than 0.3 percent THC can only be purchased at medical marijuana dispensaries in states where marijuana is legal. Many states require that patients obtain a medical marijuana card to do so. 

Delta-8-THC is a less intoxicating form of THC. It, too, may provide benefits for some patients suffering from nausea. Moreover, anyone can buy delta-8-THC online because it’s produced from fully legal hemp CBD. This might change in the future as laws relating to this cannabinoid are still evolving. 

CBD for nausea

Cannabidiol or CBD is the non-intoxicating compound found in marijuana. CBD is known to interact with serotonin receptors. When CBD was administered to patients in even small doses there was a significant reduction in vomiting, nausea, and nausea-induced anxiety.

Two other cannabinoids shown to be highly effective in reducing nausea are CBDA and CBDV. CBD A is the acidic, raw form of CBD prior to smoking, vaping, or cooking. This compound has proven to be highly effective at stimulating serotonin receptors. Animal studies show that CBDA increases activity in serotonin receptors better than CBD or THC. Patients can also buy CBDA online

Although CBD has profound effects on the body’s production and uptake of serotonin in the brain, extensive research shows that THC is more effective at reducing nausea and vomiting than CBD.

What Terpenes Are Good For Nausea

Decades of research and numerous clinical studies continue to uncover the multiple benefits of medical marijuana. 

In addition to cannabinoids, medical marijuana, also contains other compounds called terpenes that work in tandem with cannabinoids. It is believed that terpenes not only have effects of their own, but they also enhance or alter the effects of THC and CBD in the body. This is known as the entourage effect.

At present, over 100 terpenes have been isolated and identified. They all have their own unique scent, flavor, and distinct medicinal properties. Terpenes are the basis for many popular essential oils. Aromatherapy has been used for millennia to reduce stress and alter moods among other uses. 

Certain terpenes can be a vital component in medical marijuana for patients suffering from nausea. Two of the best anti-nausea terpenes found in cannabis strains are limonene and caryophyllene

Limonene, which has a distinct citrus-like aroma is found in cannabis strains such as Pineapple Express and Jack Herer.

Caryophyllene has a hoppy flavor and aroma, much like your favorite brew. This terpene is abundant in strains such as Chemdawg.

Studies on medical marijuana for nausea

Medical marijuana and its effect on nausea has been studied for decades and it is now well-established that cannabinoids and terpenes are able to suppress sensations of nausea as well as the urge to vomit. 

A report titled “Nausea and Vomiting” by the United Patients Group for alternative medicine states unequivocally:

“There is strong evidence that the cannabinoids naturally produced in the body play a role in suppressing nausea in normal circumstances, and intake of cannabinoids from medical marijuana during episodes of nausea can also effectively relieve symptoms… Inhaled medical marijuana achieves superior results in reducing nausea and vomiting over synthetic alternatives…

A recent publication from the  European Journal of Pharmacology concludes:

“In humans and animal models, plant-derived cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids inhibit emesis [vomiting] evoked peripherally or centrally with drugs or natural stimuli. Cannabinoids block both acute and delayed emesis. We believe that the endocannabinoid system has the potential to be used for the treatment of nausea and likely as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of emesis, particularly delayed emesis, where current therapies are limited in their degree of efficacy.”

The Oncology Nursing Forum recently published a report, based on current relevant literature and research and stated:

“Cannabinoids are effective in controlling cancer-induced nausea and vomiting, and oral THC and smoked marijuana have similar efficacy.”

The publication went on to say that cannabinoids in medical marijuana can be as effective as prochlorperazine and ondansetron, traditional antiemetics for controlling chemo-induced nausea and vomiting.

In a 1975 study, all twenty of the participants reported significant relief from nausea when THC was administered. 

And finally, a recent report from the University of Guelph made the following conclusion: 

“Considerable evidence demonstrates that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals.”

How to use medical marijuana to treat nausea

  • Smoking and vaping medical marijuana or cannabis concentrates are highly effective methods for delivery, as the body absorbs cannabinoids almost instantaneously when inhaled. One to three puffs from a joint or vape may be all that is needed for nausea relief — less for high-THC strains, more for high-CBD strains. 
  • Cannabis-infused edibles are slower-acting but are a good option for treating nausea. Edibles deliver cannabinoids directly to the stomach. Although edibles take up to an hour to have any effect, the overall effect is long-lasting. Edibles containing terpenes may not be an option for individuals suffering from nausea if they’re having trouble keeping food down. 
  • Tinctures, capsules, and oils are also good options for nausea. Capsules work similar to edibles but can be taken with or without food. Tinctures and oils come in dropper bottles and can be used sublingually (under the tongue) for easy administration. They can also be added to food. 

Patients using cannabis products for the first time should start with very small amounts. A little goes a long way. Usually, five to 10 milligrams of THC and up to 25 milligrams of CBD is all that’s required.

Best marijuana strains for nausea and vomiting

Everyone’s situation is unique. For some patients, marijuana strains that are higher in CBD than THC offer more relief, while for others, THC is more effective. The same goes for terpenes. For this reason, some experimentation might be necessary to find the most effective strain or formula for a particular patient.

Here are some medical marijuana strains recommended for treating nausea.  

  • Pineapple Express is high in anti-nausea terpenes – a great mood enhancer for anxiety and depression.
  • Jack Herer is a classic strain, also high in anti-nausea terpenes – great for relaxation.
  • Chemdawg is a potent, popular strain known to help with nausea, and very high in antiemetic terpenes.
  • Cheese is a pungent strain used for relaxation and mood enhancement, and that it is also excellent for relieving nausea.
  • Death Star is an indica-heavy hybrid popular for stress and nausea relief.
  • Chocolope is a sativa strain that helps with depression, anxiety, and nausea.
  • Super Sour Diesel is a well-known pain reliever, mood enhancer, that also alleviates nausea and vomiting.

Again, every patient is different. Some patients might find that marijuana actually causes nausea or makes matters worse. Some might get better results from using purified cannabinoids such as CBD isolate and THC isolate. These can usually be purchased as tinctures or capsules. Some edibles are also made with isolates as cannabinoids are odorless and flavorless, unlike terpenes.

We hope this article provided some valuable information that can help patients suffering from nausea to make an informed decision as to how to treat nausea with medical marijuana. That being said, it’s always best to use marijuana under the guidance of a qualified medical marijuana doctor. 

Decades of research and numerous clinical studies continue to uncover the multiple benefits of medical marijuana. 

In addition to cannabinoids, medical marijuana, also contains other compounds called terpenes that work in tandem with cannabinoids. It is believed that terpenes not only have effects of their own, but they also enhance or alter the effects of THC and CBD in the body. This is known as the entourage effect.

At present, over 100 terpenes have been isolated and identified. They all have their own unique scent, flavor, and distinct medicinal properties. Terpenes are the basis for many popular essential oils. Aromatherapy has been used for millennia to reduce stress and alter moods among other uses. 

Certain terpenes can be a vital component in medical marijuana for patients suffering from nausea. Two of the best anti-nausea terpenes found in cannabis strains are limonene and caryophyllene

Limonene, which has a distinct citrus-like aroma is found in cannabis strains such as Pineapple Express and Jack Herer.

Caryophyllene has a hoppy flavor and aroma, much like your favorite brew. This terpene is abundant in strains such as Chemdawg.

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