An all-too-common stomach ache that frequently comes on before vomiting is nausea. Numerous things, including sickness, pregnancy, and a host of other things, could be the cause. Over half of the adult population stated that they experienced nausea at least once a year.
Cannabis is frequently used to treat the common symptom of nausea. Over several decades, the plant’s popularity has increased as access to cannabis treatments has increased due to legalization. We always recommend that you speak with a physician who specializes in medical marijuana before using medical marijuana. You can obtain legal access to marijuana in your state by presenting a medical marijuana card issued by a physician.
Numerous anecdotal reports support the use of cannabis to treat nausea. But what is revealed by the research?
What is nausea?
A nauseated feeling is an uncomfortable or uneasy feeling in the stomach, usually accompanied by the desire to throw up. There are several things that can cause nausea, including, but not limited to:
- Motion sickness
- Migraines
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Therapies and treatments
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Food poisoning
Depending on the underlying cause of the illness, there are several ways to treat nausea. There are several prescription drugs that can be used to treat nausea symptoms. Both short-term and long-term relief from nausea and vomiting has also been achieved with natural methods like acupuncture, drinking plenty of water, and using ginger.
Cannabis has long been seen as an additional effective option for managing and treating nausea. Although the plant has been in use for a very long time, research has been restricted due to the plant’s prohibition for the past hundred years or so.
Benefits of Using Cannabis for Nausea
Many of the claims made over the past few decades regarding the use of cannabis to relieve nausea seem to be supported by clinical research.
Studies have shown that cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, seem to be useful in treating nausea, especially when it comes to nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy. Furthermore, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved synthetic THC drugs like nabilone and dronabinol for their capacity to reduce patients’ symptoms of nausea.
When combined with a conventional anti-nausea medication, Sativex, a 1:1 THC:CBD cannabis-based medicine approved in the UK and Canada, demonstrated a reduction in nausea and vomiting symptoms. Two non-intoxicating cannabinoids, CBDV and CBDA, are additional promising cannabinoids for the treatment of nausea that require further investigation.
Risks of Using Cannabis for Nausea
Numerous anecdotes spanning decades and a few laboratory studies indicate that the use of medical cannabis, specifically THC, to treat nausea is frequently successful with minimal to no risk to most users. But there are risks associated with cannabis use that people should be aware of.
Although most of the plant’s benefits are well-established, there are some drawbacks, particularly when using a psychoactive substance like THC. In one study looking at the effects of an oral THC:CBD extract, moderate to severe sedation, vertigo, and disorientation were experienced by up to one-third of cannabis users.
As negative side effects can include elevated levels of panic, fear, or depression in certain situations, anxiety and stress levels may also rise. Furthermore, research on cannabis hyperemesis syndrome—a chronic cannabis use-related syndrome marked by prolonged vomiting and severe abdominal pain—has been ongoing for a number of years.
Before adding THC or any other cannabis-based products for nausea relief, anyone using pharmaceuticals or supplements should speak with a doctor.
Using Cannabis as a Treatment for Nausea
Clinical research indicates that the use of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for nausea may be successful. Particularly for chemotherapy-induced episodes of nausea and vomiting, the use of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD may be beneficial in treating a number of nausea-producing illnesses and therapies.
There’s no denying that the plant has shown promise in treating and controlling side effects and symptoms of nausea. Seek further information from a doctor for more understanding about cannabis and nausea.
Tips for Using Cannabis to Alleviate Nausea
For the majority of users, both medicinal and recreational, cannabis typically has a low-risk profile. However, there are a few best practices to remember.
Although one can predict the general effects of cannabis, the actual experience will depend on the user, the product, and the strain they are using.
Due to its wide range of effects, patients should speak with a doctor before utilizing cannabis as a nausea remedy. This advice is especially intended for those who take any supplements or prescription drugs that may interact with cannabis.
Investigating the ideal dosage comes next, following professional advice. It is possible to prevent the negative effects of THC over-intoxication, such as nausea, by taking it slowly and incrementally.
“Start low, go slow” is the best way to determine a person’s optimal dosage without having to worry about overindulging. Start with a small amount of cannabis, give it some time, and then determine if more is required to get the desired effect.
A low dosage, also known as a microdose, usually ranges from one to five milligrams, depending on the patient’s tolerance level. People should wait anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours after taking a dose before determining if more is needed. Wait times should be calculated according to the mode of consumption; for example, smoking has a much faster onset (15 to 30 minutes) than edibles.
Furthermore, it is always advised to avoid mixing drugs and alcohol because doing so may exacerbate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with cannabis use. Furthermore, a lot of lab reports and experts advise customers to only purchase goods from the regulated market, where goods are put through a more rigorous screening and testing process to ensure their quality and safety.
If you want to use marijuana as part of your medical regimen, you need a medical cannabis recommendation. This will allow you to consume marijuana legally in your state and prevent you from facing legal ramifications.
