
Nausea is a common symptom that many things can cause. Cannabis can help reduce the feeling of nausea, suppress vomiting, and stimulate appetite.
According to a study from the University of New Mexico, 96% of medical marijuana users experienced nausea relief. They reported that dried smokable flowers, concentrates, edibles, and vape pens were the most effective treatments for nausea.
CBD
Some patients are wondering whether will cannabis help with nausea. Several studies found that CBD is a non-psychoactive, and relatively safe treatment for nausea that can help combat the side effects of some drugs and illnesses, such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Nausea originates from signals sent to a brain region known as the medulla oblongata. These signals trigger a series of involuntary reflexes, including vomiting, sneezing, and more. CBD can help regulate these signals, inhibit a conditioned gaping response (nausea), and suppress vomiting when administered at a specific dosage. It modulates the endocannabinoid system, which manages homeostasis through receptors and endogenous cannabinoid chemicals, such as anandamide.
It acts as a neutral antagonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, antagonizes alpha-1 adrenergic and u-opioid receptors, stimulates 5-HT1A/2A/3A serotonergic and TRPV1-2 vanilloid receptors, and blocks low-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. It also promotes the activity of the inhibitory glycine receptor and inhibits the activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase.
THC
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by our bodies, and it attaches to receptors on brain cells that control memory, movement, pleasure, thinking, concentration coordination, and time perception.
The research supports anecdotal reports that cannabis is effective at treating nausea. In the rat model of antiemetic non-specific sickness, D9-THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB-597 effectively suppressed both conditioned retching and conditioned gaping evoked by the cues associated with lithium-paired chamber exposure.
Despite these positive studies, a few concerns remain regarding medicinal marijuana. First, it can be difficult to administer, especially for patients with gastrointestinal issues who may not tolerate the effects of swallowing medications or eating large amounts of food. Second, little is known about the long-term effect of medicinal marijuana on children and pregnant women.
For these reasons, many researchers believe that cannabis should not be used in children and pregnant women. Further, a physician should carefully assess the risk-benefit profile of cannabis before prescribing it to a patient.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of the cannabis sativa or hemp plant. It contains high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and other nutritional antioxidants.
Hemp seed oil also provides the body with essential nutrients like protein, vitamin E, and minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. Studies show that hemp seed oil is an effective moisturizer and can relieve itching and dryness in skin conditions such as eczema.
Several studies indicate that phytocannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, can reduce nausea and vomiting. These phytocannabinoids are believed to act on the endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors and hormone-like compounds regulating balance throughout the human body. These natural cannabinoids are thought to interact with serotonin receptors to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
In one study, scientists discovered that the endocannabinoid systems of humans and mice contain the same receptors to which these phytocannabinoids bind. They found that the cannabinoids stimulated a specific region in the medulla oblongata to control the emetic response, which is when people are compelled to vomit.
Prescription antiemetics are not always effective against anticipatory nausea, but these cannabinoids are showing promise. In conditioned lab animals, the phytocannabinoids attenuated the anticipation of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are small hand-held electronic devices that use a battery to heat cannabis extracts and produce vapor that can be inhaled. The vapor contains active cannabinoids that can ease nausea symptoms and other conditions. Vape pens come in different sizes and styles, but all work similarly.
They typically have a mouthpiece, tank or cartridge (to hold the cannabis oil), an atomizer, and a power button. The atomizer is the part of the device that heats up when you press and hold the power button to inhale. The cartridge is where the extract is stored, and it connects to the atomizer using a tube that carries the vapor from the atomizer to the mouthpiece.
Unlike anti-nausea medications, which can have a long list of side effects, cannabis is safe and natural. Medical marijuana can help ease nausea associated with chemotherapy, stomach flu, migraines, motion sickness, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.
Indica cannabis strains can relieve nausea, pain, stress, depression, and fatigue. Its balanced cannabinoid profile also helps reduce anxiety, insomnia, and chronic headaches. It’s a good option for people who don’t want the psychedelic effects of other high-THC cannabis strains. It’s a healthy alternative to smoking and can be used discreetly in public.