Written by: Andrew Roberts

Reviewed by: Dr. Matthew Scott, PhD & DHSc

​Date: 08/17/2010

Gut Health, IBS & CBD

Millions of people around the world suffer from GI (gastrointestinal issues). The United States having one of the highest incident rate. Good overall health begins with your ECS (endocannabinoid system) functioning optimally. The endocannabinoid system is extensively distributed throughout your gut and corresponds to your lymphatic system. Cannabis & CBD-Rich cannabinoids are being used to alleviate and treat a wide range of GI conditions, including but not limited to: nausea, vomiting, motility issues (ability to contract muscles), abdominal pain, and inflammatory issues.

In the digestive tract, the ECS exerts effects on food intake, intestinal inflammation, cell proliferation, gastroprotection, secretion, ion transport, pain and visceral sensations, epithelial integrity, and gut microbiota. The ECS is involved in all aspects of energy balance and food intake in the body, including both hedonic and homeostatic aspects within the GI tract.

An optimally functioning digestive system is essential for good health, it also makes life a lot better when you’re not suffering. GI disorders increase the incidences of illnesses and diseases like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constipation, inflammation & inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as cancers in the colon and stomach. The rate at which people are developing these illnesses & diseases is increasing at an alarming rate.

Currently the pharmaceutical industry does not provide any safe, long-term solutions for people suffering with GI illnesses. Thankfully though, CBD research has shown CBD to relieve a lot of the symptoms associated with GI & gut issues and conditions, effectively helping the majority of those using CBD when consumed in the right dose and regimen. 

If you’re new to CBD, there may be some terms you are unfamiliar with. If that’s the case, we suggest also reading our Guide to CBD.

Gut & Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout our entire body and in all organs, making up what is called the endocannbinoid system or ECS for short. That means, endocannabinoid receptors are also found in the gut and digestive tract.  We know that our ECS creates & maintains homeostasis, this includes our gut. This occurs through its ability to control important functions, which include but are not limited to; immune function, intestinal motility, and sensation, this makes it vital to having a healthy, optimally functioning, happy gut. Speaking of happiness, did you know the majority of Serotonin is produced in the gut? Serotonin is known as the happy hormone, as it regulates our moods. Serotonin is responsible for a lot more than just being happy though, it also plays a role with our central nervous system, memory, cardiovascular function, bladder control, and bowel movements.

Interruptions within the ECS are linked to the development of intestinal disorders. Recent research studies have shown that individuals suffering with intestinal diseases or gut issues almost always present with altered levels of endocannabinoids and or CB receptors. These altered levels were either below or above the “normal” amount typically present in a generally healthy person without intestinal or gut issues. The gut and digestive system are directly linked to our ECS, so when it’s not functioning properly issues will have the ability to manifest. It is believed that these altered cannabinoid levels are due to a deficiency of the individual’s body to naturally produced cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. In fact, deficiencies in the ECS have been directly linked to the development of IBS, Colitis, Inflammatory bowels, Crohn’s Disease, and cancers of the colon, gut, and intestines.

By using CBD tinctures or Capsules, you’re introducing these vital cannabinoids which will effectively balance any endocannabinoid deficiencies.

CBD tinctures for IBS and Gut Health

Cannabis has been successfully used for patients with any number of GI issues for hundreds of years to treat and alleviate their symptoms. Some cannabinoids interact and affect your gut directly. Some of these cannabinoids are CBD, THC, and CBG, research and patients using CBD-Rich tinctures have reported eliminated or greatly reduced pain, bowel sensitivity, and regular bowels.

CBD is identified as the best cannabinoid for IBS and gut health, this is due to it being non-psychotoxic (doesn’t get you high), a strong antioxidant, and its anti-inflammatory benefits.

CBD-Rich tinctures used by Crohn’s disease patients reported, CBD use greatly lowered the severity of their symptoms, and overtime allowed them to reduce or eliminate the need for other medications, such as doctor prescribed steroids.

CBD has also shown the ability to eliminate, suppress, or greatly reduce cancerous tumors and malignant cell growth. Countless people have turned to cannabis, especially CBD & THC RSO (Raw, full profile extract), for self-treatment of cancers, including colon cancer. As previously mentioned, abnormal ECS regulation can exacerbate and quicken the development of various cancer and tumor cells. This is why cannabis & CBD are known for their anti-cancer & anti-tumor properties, essentially this means using CBD can also help the prevention and spread of various cancers and tumors.

CBD’s direct and indirect properties allow the compound to promote and maintain a happy, healthy gut and GI. As discussed previously, inflammation, anxiety and stress all play a significant role in GI issues. CBD is well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, & anti-stress effective properties, which this means and what many have discovered, is by taking an effective full spectrum CBD dose regularly on a regimen, the majority of users reported a reduction and less frequent experience of GI issues and discomfort. Many report the issues and discomfort were eliminated completely. It is worth mentioning that if you stop using CBD or allow enough days to go by without using CBD, the CBD-Rich cannabinoids will dissipate from your ECS. Typically, it takes 5-7 days for this to happen, but as the cannabinoids dissipate, many patients report the issues and symptoms begin coming back.       

In Conclusion

Gut health and gastrointestinal (GI) functions affect your body and mind.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and cannabinoids (endo or phyto) are responsible for a proper functioning, healthy gut. Communicates with our Central Nervous System (CNS).

CBD for GI issues, including IBS is shown to be highly effective due to our ECS & CNS. Further properties that also play are role are CBD’s; anti-anxiety, antioxidant, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

GI issues, anxiety, and depression are all typically present in those suffering from gut health issues. CBD categorically can help relieve all of these issues, at the same time.

CBD for gut health, GI issues, and IBS has successfully helped millions greatly reduce or eliminate the symptoms and issues associated with these conditions and illnesses.