The Effects and Benefits of Cannabis on the Gastrointestinal Disorders

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The cannabis plant contains around 60 aromatic hydrocarbon compounds known as cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol (THC), which is primarily psychotropic; cannabidiol (CBD), efficacious in inflammation, motility and analgesia; and cannabigerol, the effect of which is still to be determined. Cannabis has been used to ameliorate a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, manifestations of inflammation within the gastrointestinal system, and dysmotility. This chapter reviews the endocannabinoid system as it relates to the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs, followed by specific indications based on disease entities. Appreciating that the reliability and reproducibility of clinical trials of medical cannabis on the gastrointestinal system are poor due to the lack of standardization of cannabinoid products, there are promising results that show potential benefits in a select group of patients.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCannabis Use in Medicine
Subtitle of host publicationA Concise Handbook
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages75-83
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9783031127229
ISBN (Print)9783031127212
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cannabis
  • Gastrointestinal tract
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Pancreas

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