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Does Weed Help With IBS? Relief & Benefits

This post is part of our Best Dispensary in San Diego series, sponsored by Cannabist.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? If so, you know firsthand how it can disrupt your daily life and leave you desperately seeking relief. While many medications and therapies are available to manage symptoms, sometimes they might not work the way you hoped.  Fortunately, cannabis has recently shown promise in easing the disruptive symptoms that go hand-in-hand with IBS.  But does weed help with IBS for real? And if so, how?  We’re glad you asked because we have answers.

If you’re one among the 15% of Americans who live with the nagging and often painful effects of IBS, then you’re likely looking for alternatives for relief.  This informative article will reveal some interesting insights that might provide hope in answering the question, “Can weed help IBS?” Let’s find out together.

Weed and IBS

We’ve got to tell you that research on using cannabis for various health conditions is still ongoing, and it’s not conclusive.  That said, evidence based on personal results and observations suggests that weed may provide benefits for people with IBS. 

For instance, many people report experiencing reduced pain and discomfort after using cannabis products. The plant’s active compounds, known as cannabinoids, have been found to work with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates gut function and inflammation.

In addition to its potential anti-inflammatory effects, the cannabinoids may also help regulate bowel movements by slowing down muscle contractions in the intestine. This can be helpful for people dealing with chronic diarrhea or constipation commonly experienced with IBS.

The connection between weed and IBS gets really interesting when you consider the stress angle. According to the National Institutes of Health, IBS is a stress-sensitive condition. So, while the physical benefits of cannabis on this condition are still being researched, there is real proof that marijuana is a phenomenal stress reliever.  In this light, using weed for IBS can be effective in easing nerves and minimizing anxiety which could result in fewer flare-ups.

So, does weed help with IBS?  It’s tough to give you a definitive answer because everybody is different and responds to cannabis differently.  However, feedback from users is positive, and we’re learning more and more that weed certainly has great potential in calming this disruptive condition. Furthermore, we know that weed is a great calming agent, and as IBS can be triggered by stress – it might be a viable solution. 

Is Smoking Weed The Only Way To Consume THC for IBS Treatment?

Nope!  When it comes to using weed for IBS treatment, you’re not restricted to toking a joint. Today, marijuana is available in a dizzying array of products. In fact, just about anything you can imagine ingesting – there’s a weed product for it.  To wit, here are a few ways you can try weed for IBS without having to smoke it:

• Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, baked treats
• Drinkables: Weed-infused shots, sodas, coffee
• Lozenges: Drops you can suck on like a hard piece of candy
• Tincture: Weed-infused liquid you can take under your tongue (sublingually)
• Patches: Kind of like a nicotine patch, but it is weed-infused

There are other ways to consume weed for IBS that are not as harsh as smoking a joint – but still involve a smoke element. For instance, marijuana smoke can be inhaled from a water bong, which can be much smoother on the lungs than a weed cigarette.  Marijuana vapes are also less abrasive on the lungs.  Heating up and inhaling concentrated weed resin (known as dabbing) might also be an option.

The best way to consume weed for IBS relief depends on what you like best.  Try different products and see which one works well with your needs. 

Is Sativa or Indica Better For IBS?

Sativa strains are high in THC and are heralded for their energizing effects and uplifting cerebral highs. They can be helpful for those with IBS who experience fatigue as a symptom. Sativas may provide a boost of energy and help improve focus, making it easier to manage daily tasks while dealing with flare-ups.

Alternatively, indica strains lean heavier on the CBD side of cannabis and are typically associated with full-body relaxation and sedation. They can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with pain, cramps, or muscle spasms caused by IBS. Indicas may also help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep quality.

There are also hybrids (a mix of indica and sativa) that you might find helpful in putting the IBS beast to rest.  Keep reading as we talk about the best natural relief strains.

Best Strains For IBS

At last count, weed experts maintain there are about 800 different types of marijuana strains worldwide today.  That’s a whole lotta leaf from which to choose.  Thankfully, we’ve got the inside track on which strains are better for IBS than others, and here they are:

Harlequin: We like this one because it gets rave reviews for reducing abdominal pain. It is high in CBD, so it could be a real champ for reducing inflammation and easing tight digestive muscles.

ACDC: This is another high CBD strain, so it relaxes the body more than it gets you high.  This strain is noted for reducing nausea and inflammation. It can also be good for soothing the pain that often accompanies IBS.

Blue Dream: This one is lauded for its uplifting and euphoric effects. Unlike the other strains for IBS we mentioned, Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid, so you may find a high or elevated mood when taking this strain.  Aside from that, users tell us that this strain may help quell IBS symptoms such as pain and cramping.

How To Purchase Marijuana

Now for the good part. After selecting a strain, it’s time to make your purchase. Whether you’re buying from a physical dispensary or an online retailer (where permitted), always check the reputation of the seller before making any transactions. Look for reviews or recommendations from other customers to ensure that you are getting high-quality products.  As it happens, we have an excellent recommendation for you right here. We’re talking about the Cannabist in San Diego.  This stylish, clean, professional dispensary will give you the weed-purchasing experience you’ll never forget.  The Cannabist has a mind-blowing array of products – all of the highest quality. Moreover, Cannabist’s budtenders (weed sales associates) are friendly, knowledgeable, and can help you with every question you might have when buying weed for IBS.

Key Takeaways On Weed And IBS

When it comes to using weed for IBS, there are a few key takeaways to keep in mind. 

• Anecdotal evidence shows weed has the potential to help with IBS symptoms
• Smoking weed isn’t the only way to reap its benefits
• Both sativa and indica can help with IBS in different ways, and it’s a good idea to experiment to find your best outcome
• Certain strains, such as Harlequin or Blue Dream, might be better for IBS than others
• Go to a reputable dispensary like Cannabist when purchasing weed

Conclusion

So, does weed help with IBS?  Hopefully, this insightful article helps you determine if it’s right for you.  It is clear that weed can provide relief for individuals suffering from IBS. Just keep in mind that everybody is different, and your experience with marijuana and IBS will be unique to you.

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