Does Marijuana Cause Constipation?

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Joe goes to the Doctor with severe constipation.

The Doctor gives him two suppositories. Joe goes home and swallows them

The next day he goes back to the Doctor.

“Doc, I am still badly constipated.”

The Doctor gives him two more suppositories, and Joe again goes home and swallows them.”

He again goes back to the Doctor the next day and says, “Doc, I am still severely constipated.

Doctor: “Joe, I gave you four suppositories; what did you do with them?”

Annoyed, Joe yells at the Doctor: “what do you think I have been doing with them, shoving them up my ass?”

Does Marijuana Cause Constipation?

The answer to “does marijuana cause constipation?” is generally no. 

Cannabis is found to ease constipation; however, there are instances where weed can cause constipation. Cannabis constipation is short, and any long-term constipation is likely to be caused by other factors. 

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a bowel movement disorder that prevents people from having fewer than one (per day) to three bowel movements per week. Many things can cause constipation, but it most often occurs because of low fiber intake and dehydration.

The colon becomes unable to push the stool out, either because the stool is too hard or because it has built up around the colon wall. 

Symptoms Of Constipation

The symptoms of constipation include; 

  • difficulty emptying the bowels

  • tough stool that is difficult to push out

  • swollen abdomen

  • passing gas without bowel movements

  • feeling exhausted after going to the toilet

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is something that most people have to deal with occasionally. Constipation causes include;

  • lack of physical activity

  • not drinking enough water

  • consuming the wrong foods

  • not eating enough fiber

 

Hemorrhoids And Constipation

Hemorrhoids and constipation are two common conditions that often occur together in the same individual.

Hemorrhoids are non-cancerous enlargement of the anal passage veins, usually caused by straining during defecation or diarrhea and pregnancy. They may be internal or external (outside or inside the anus) and can lead to bleeding, pain, itching, burning sensation, discomfort, and difficulty passing stools.

These two conditions often overlap because constipation may cause increased pressure on the hemorrhoid tissues.

Opiates And Constipation

Opiates and constipation can be linked, but there are also reasons why this may not always be the case.

Constipation is often a side effect of opiate use because these drugs slow down the digestive system. Constipation is also common in people with chronic pain syndromes. Some medications for chronic pain can also cause constipation, even if you don’t take an opiate drug.

Everyone has different stomach sensitivities and responses to opiates and their side effects, so it is impossible to predict how a person will react with any certainty.

Is Constipation Serious And What Can I Do?

Lime Water

Constipation is not severe as long as it doesn’t last for more than one week.

However, it can be very uncomfortable and frustrating because the feces gets hard and dry, making it difficult to pass. It can lead to more severe problems like hemorrhoids or anal fissures if left untreated. Some suggestions to avoid constipation include:

  • Consuming Fiber-Rich Foods (high fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans)

  • Staying Hydrated

  • Staying Physically Active

  • Not Holding Your Stool

  • Avoiding certain foods which can worsen constipation (soda, alcohol)

  • Taking a laxative or stool softener

How Marijuana  Works in the Gut

In the gut, there are cannabinoid receptors that bind with the molecules of Cannabis and help regulate our digestion by slowing down bowel motility and increasing stomach acid production. Cannabis can increase appetite by attaching to other receptors in the hypothalamus gland, which controls hunger.

The digestive system begins to absorb THC immediately, and it disperses in the bloodstream into various organs, including the brain. The liver then clears these substances from our bodies.

In the gut, Marijuana binds to cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system has receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other regions of the body. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2.

The brain has CB1 receptors,  but they also exist in other body parts, like peripheral nerves, muscles, testes, ovaries, etc. When someone smokes or uses Marijuana, it binds to these receptors and produces a feeling of euphoria or high.

Cells that line lymphatic vessels and organs such as the spleen, tonsils contain CB2 receptors.  They produce effects such as pain relief without giving you a high feeling.

The Effects of Cannabis on Digestion and Constipation

The first thing to understand about the effects of Cannabis on digestion is that it differs from person to person. Some people will experience no results, while others will notice a change in their bowel movements after one use.

The effects of CBD on digestion

Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD, one of the most common cannabinoids found in Cannabis, has been shown in studies to cause relaxation, leading to easier digestion. Additionally, some experts claim that CBD can stimulate intestinal tissue, which can help with certain health conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune illness that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The condition affects nearly 300,000 people in the United States alone. It can be challenging to diagnose and often affects patients between their late teens or early twenties. Treatment for Crohn’s disease is limited and usually focuses on managing its symptoms rather than curing them.

Many sufferers have found little relief from traditional treatments. However, a study by John Hopkins University revealed that Marijuana might help with Crohn’s disease symptoms such as pain and nausea.

Constipation Symptoms Marijuana May Treat

Cannabis can have a very positive effect on the digestive tract and may help relieve constipation.

The problem with constipation is that it can be challenging to identify and even more difficult to manage. One of the most common causes of constipation is low-fiber diets and medications. As a result, constipation symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

It’s not uncommon for people to feel constipated at some point in their lives. Marijuana can help to improve symptoms of constipation, such as a change in bowel movements.

Constipation may have occurred if you are experiencing pain in your lower abdomen, a feeling of fullness and bloating gas, or difficulty passing stools.

Some symptoms that Marijuana may treat are:

  • A change in bowel movements
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of appetite

What’s the Latest Research on Marijuana’s Effectiveness for Constipation?

Cannabis has been shown to affect the digestive system directly and may help with constipation or other digestive-related conditions.

Many scientists are still studying the effects that Cannabis has on digestion and are just starting to explore the possibility of its use as a substitute for pharmaceuticals, such as Modafinil and Amitriptyline, which have side effects.

The gastrointestinal tract – a central organ of cannabinoid signaling in health and disease

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What’s The Best Way To Use Weed For Constipation?

Suppository tin re

The best way to use weed for constipation is to mix a teaspoon of Cannabis oil with coconut or olive oil and then drink it once a day before bedtime. Some people like to use this as a preventative measure, while others only use it when they have an occasional bout with constipation. Alternatively, try one of the following methods:

  • suppository

  • orally

  • smoking

When you are using Cannabis for constipation, it is essential to note that it may take some time before seeing any benefits. Cannabis is becoming more popular as a treatment for constipation because it stimulates appetite, so you’re less likely to go long periods without food or water.

If you choose to ingest Marijuana, then do so in small doses at a time. Large amounts can have adverse effects on your gut flora.

Can Weed Give You Diarrhea?

There are two ways that Marijuana can cause diarrhea. The first is due to the THC, which causes the user to lose control over what they eat and drink. The second is because of the reduction of blood flow to the intestines, leading to more water absorption from food and increased peristalsis, or intestinal contractions.

So does Cannabis cause diarrhea? The truth is, it can do both. Cannabis causes diarrhea by changing the motility of the intestines and acting as a laxative. 

This effect is especially noticeable when Cannabis is consumed in high doses or concentrated forms like oils and concentrates. But there’s no need to worry because you can avoid this side effect with proper dosage control and ingestion methods.

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Related

Weed Diarrhea – Valuable Insights and Advice

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How to Avoid and Manage Diarrhea and Constipation From Medical Marijuana 

Healthy fruit bowl

It is imperative to avoid constipation because it can lead to other health problems. When you have constipation, your stool has trouble passing through the intestines. Not treating constipation timeously can lead to a condition called fecal impaction. You should consult your Doctor if you find that you have been experiencing symptoms of constipation for more than one week.

You may find that when you smoke Marijuana for the first time, it also causes constipation. If this is the case, there are a few things that will help with this effect:

  • Drink plenty of water before and after smoking Cannabis

  • Eat foods high in fiber before using Marijuana 

  • Take a magnesium supplement

People with diarrhea will find relief with medical Cannabis because it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce cramping and inflammation in the gut lining. Conversely, people with constipation may find that Cannabis can help them by causing bowel movements to happen more often.

How to Recognize Weed-Induced Diarrhea and Constipation

There are many ways to tell if you have weed-induced diarrhea and constipation, but two of the most common symptoms are stomach cramps, which can come in a wide variety of intensities, as well as an infrequent need to go to the bathroom.

The main thing to do when experiencing these symptoms is to drink plenty of fluids and take in high-fiber foods, both of which will help you stay hydrated and help regulate your bowel movements.

Long-Term Side Effects of Diarrhea and Constipation

The long-term side effects of diarrhea and constipation depend on the severity, duration, and frequency.

Diarrhea:

The long-term side effects of diarrhea depend on the severity, duration, and frequency of diarrhea. If severe, it lasts for a long time or occurs often. It can have long-term effects such as chronic infections, malnutrition, and malnutrition.

If it is not severe or prolonged, then there should be no adverse effects on health.

Constipation:

The long-term side effects of constipation also depend on its severity, duration, and frequency. It can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids (internal piles), appendicitis (a severe condition in which infection has spread to an organ near your stomach),

Possible Solutions for Cannabis-Induced Constipation

Cannabis-induced constipation is something that can happen to you if you consume too much Cannabis. It is not a cause for panic, but it does require some attention. Below are some things that you can do to fix this problem:

  • Drink more fluids

  • Eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of produce

  • Get more exercise

Scientific Papers: Cannabis and Constipation

The gastrointestinal tract – a central organ of cannabinoid signaling in health and disease

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment

 

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