Maybe good news for IBS and marijuana sufferers

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a sad diagnosis and can affect everyday life. is a frustrating and isolating illness for many patients. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and bloating are all common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Although it does not harm your digestive tract and does not increase your risk of colon cancer, there is no clear cure. It can often be managed through medication, diet and lifestyle changes. According to one study, up to 20% of Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, which is considered a chronic disease. Research shows that people with irritable bowel syndrome miss three times as many days of work as people without bowel symptoms.

RELATED: How effective is marijuana in treating irritable bowel syndrome?

The data suggests potentially good news for IBS steers and marijuana. There is enough research, as recently the State Medical Board of Ohio unanimously recognized irritable bowel syndrome as a qualifying condition for Ohio's medical marijuana program, making it the 26th disease on the list. The clear benefits have helped people in states where marijuana is used medically live easier lives.

Cannabinoids reduce stomach acid production by activating CB1 receptors. Recent studies have also identified a possible pathophysiological mechanism for irritable bowel syndrome. Activation of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors reduces motility, limits secretion and reduces intestinal hypersensitivity.

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Rutgers University researchers suggest in a study that marijuana may help ease the suffering of patients with severe IBS symptoms. They analyzed data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Nationwide Readmissions Database and compared IBS patients who used cannabis with those who did not use cannabis. Among non-cannabis users, the all-cause readmission rate within 30 days was 12.7%. Among cannabis users it was only 8.1%. The study also found that cannabis use was correlated with shorter hospital stays and lower overall hospital costs.

The study involved 6,798 adult irritable bowel syndrome patients, 357 of whom were identified as cannabis users. The non-cannabis group had an average age of about 53, while marijuana users averaged about 36 years. Females were the predominant gender among both cannabis users (62%) and non-users (81%) – which is expected since IBS affects women more often than men.

RELATED: Marijuana and gut health

There is currently no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, but a report suggested that marijuana may offer future therapeutic potential for patients. Unfortunately, more research needs to be done to make it as effective as possible and to understand dosage.