Why is weed so good at relieving nausea? And does CBD help too?

Before we talk about using cannabis for nausea, let’s define what we’re talking about. First, what is nausea? Nausea and vomiting (vomiting) are protective and defensive responses by animals to avoid ingestion or digestion of a potentially harmful substance.

Nausea is an aversive experience that occurs before but is distinct from vomiting. Vomiting results in the “violent expulsion of gastric and/or upper intestinal contents,” while nausea serves as an emesis-associated stimulus that helps an animal learn and remember that a food should be avoided. Interestingly, nausea is a sensitive reflex that can be easily activated by a variety of conditions such as migraines, diabetes or motion sickness.

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Now that we understand nausea, we can get to the real question: does weed help with nausea? Weed, or cannabis, is a highly effective treatment for nausea. In fact, cannabis is one of mankind’s oldest remedies for nausea. In clinical studies, cannabis-based medications have been shown to be more effective than some modern anti-nausea treatments.

Does weed make you nauseous?

In recent years there have been numerous reports of severe nausea and vomiting associated with chronic cannabis use and particularly the use of potent cannabis concentrates. This disease is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome or CHS.

In general, however, cannabis does not cause nausea. However, edibles, tinctures, or other cannabis products taken orally can potentially cause stomach upset if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Why does weed help with nausea?

We’ve found that marijuana can help with nausea, but why does weed help with nausea? Researchers have found that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in nausea and vomiting.

Vomiting is often triggered by the release of serotonin (5-HT) from cells in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Animal studies suggest that CB1 receptor agonists like THC reduce intestinal 5-HT release, thus reducing the trigger of nausea. (Want to learn more about the endocannabinoid system?)

RELATED: Study: Cannabis More Effective than Prescription Medications for Pregnancy-Related Nausea

The cannabinoids in weed help reduce vomiting by interacting with receptors in the brain involved in controlling vomiting. According to a review of the literature on the subject, “In humans and in animal models, plant-derived cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids inhibit emesis peripherally or centrally induced by drugs or natural stimuli.” Where studied, these antiemetic effects are mediated by the CB1 receptors in the brain dorsal vagus complex of the brain.

Additionally, evidence from animal studies suggests that cannabinoids “may be particularly useful in treating the more difficult-to-control symptoms of nausea and anticipatory nausea in chemotherapy patients.”

However, the areas of the brain that produce nausea are far less defined than those involved in vomiting. Still, we can answer the question, “Does weed help with nausea?” definitively. Cannabis is a highly effective treatment for nausea.

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Do Edibles Help With Nausea?

Cannabis edibles are a popular way to consume weed. Edibles are a popular choice for people looking to treat nausea because they are easy to consume and provide long-lasting relief. When you eat an edible, the cannabinoids are slowly absorbed through your digestive system. It can take 30 minutes to an hour to feel the effects of an edible, but the effects can last anywhere from four to six hours on average, and up to 24 hours for some people. Edibles contain cannabinoids that can help relieve nausea, making them a great option for individuals looking for long-lasting relief from their nausea.

Does CBD Weed Help With Nausea?

CBD cannabis can also help with nausea. CBD is a compound in cannabis that has many potential health benefits, including relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Some people find that CBD reduces their nausea more effectively than THC. This is because CBD does not have the psychoactive effects of THC. This means that when you consume CBD, you won’t experience the “high” that is often associated with THC.

RELATED: Cannabis provides instant relief from nausea, studies show

According to researchers, CBD reduces nausea and inhibits vomiting by activating 5-HT1A somatodendritic receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of the brain. Activation of 5-HT1A somatodendritic receptors decreases 5-HT release.

Is THC good for nausea?

THC is good for nausea because it is a powerful antiemetic, meaning it helps control nausea and vomiting. THC works by blocking 5-HT3 receptors in the area of ​​the brain that controls vomiting. By blocking these receptors, THC can help control nausea and vomiting.

Animal experiments have shown that:

• Anandamide, a cannabinoid naturally produced in the body, THC and several synthetic cannabinoids can block 5-HT3 receptors in the area of ​​the brain that controls vomiting, and releases cannabinoids by blocking 5-HT3 receptors in that part of the brain help to control nausea and vomiting.
• Cannabinoids can act at presynaptic CB1 receptors to decrease the release of serotonin into the synapse, which inhibits a response to nausea and/or vomiting.
• CBD can be used to reduce binding effects at 5-HT3 receptors, thus inhibiting a response to nausea and/or vomiting.

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Key takeaways about weed and nausea

• Weed can help with nausea by affecting receptors in the brain responsible for controlling vomiting.
• CBD is considered particularly effective in relieving nausea and vomiting that are the result of chemotherapy.
• THC is also an effective antiemetic and can help control nausea and vomiting.
• If you’re considering weed for nausea, speak to a licensed doctor to see if it’s an option for you.

Start your cannabis wellness journey

Have you started your cannabis wellness journey? Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app designed to help you discover purposeful cannabis use so you can achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. In the Jointly app, you can find new cannabis products, rate products based on how well they’ve helped you achieve your goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment you use cannabis in, who you are with when you take it, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or Google Play Store to start your cannabis wellness journey.