How To Recognize Weed
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.
Cannabis And Other Gi Symptoms
While most research on cannabis and the gastrointestinal tract focuses on IBD, it might be helpful for individuals with other digestive illnesses. For instance, it seems to universally be effective at reducing abdominal pain. It can be especially useful for individuals taking opioid medications for abdominal pain, as research shows that cannabis helps patients cut down on or eliminate their need for opioids and provides a treatment with fewer side effects. Cannabis also helps individuals who have a difficult time eating enough by increasing appetite and it can help reduce diarrhea and nausea. There is quite a bit of evidence for many of these symptoms, so if you think cannabis might be useful for you, please consult your healthcare team to discuss the benefits and risks associated with its use.
One other gastrointestinal finding is that cannabis users are less likely to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than those who dont consume cannabis, possibly due to metabolic benefits from cannabinoids.
Why Does Eating Cannabis Upset My Stomach
Eating cannabis edibles upsets the stomach due to the high levels of THC introduced into the body via the liver instead of through the lungs. The liver processes THC into a version of the cannabinoid thats much more potent, and too much can bypass cannabis anti-nausea effects and go straight to causing nausea and stomach discomfort.
An upset stomach after cannabis use may also be associated with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Its also worth remembering that the edible youre eating may have ingredients other than cannabis that may be causing an upset stomach.
Read Also: Can Mold Grow In Your Stomach
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: When Cannabis Causes The Pain
CHS is a very unpleasant, potentially very dangerous gastrointestinal illness that, some studies have estimated, might plague as many as 12.5 percent of regular cannabis users
Ellen grew up in South Berkshire County and when she was 15, took up a daily marijuana habit. The best thing I had, she said, was escaping reality. In July 2020, now living in a big city, she came down with intense stomach pains and nausea. Alarmed, she went to the ER, where doctors gave her IV fluids, but offered no diagnosis. No one there knew what was wrong, she said. I thought I was gonna die, and no one cared. She was discharged no closer to understanding what had caused the episode than when shed come in, and suffered at home, in pain and vomiting, for another two weeks. Eventually a nurse friend told her the name of her problem. Ellen is the one who introduced me CHS, or Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.
CHS is a very unpleasant, potentially very dangerous gastrointestinal illness that, some studies have estimated, might plague as many as 12.5 percent of regular cannabis users, or about 2,750,000 Americans. Theres no cure for CHS, and it can take up to several weeks or even months to feel any significant improvement in your health. The only thing to do if you never want to experience it again is to abstain from cannabis.
My marriage of 18 years is falling apart! Ive lost my job because of CHS.
If this story resonates for you or a loved one, here are some resources.
What Is Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is a condition caused by long-term cannabis use. People who have CHS experience reoccurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain, with frequent visits to the emergency department.
Hyperemesis means severe vomiting. Another name for CHS is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that bind to cannabinoid receptors found in our brains, gastrointestinal tracts and immune cells. The most studied exogenous cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol , cannabidiol and cannabigerol .
CHS is more than just a side effect of marijuana. It is a condition that can lead to health complications if left untreated.
Recommended Reading: Can You Tape Your Stomach Down
Can Smoking Cannabis Cause Bloating
Bloating thats associated with smoking cannabis can have causes as simple as overindulging in the munchies or inhaling too much smoke, or it can point to other, more serious concerns.
Youve just finished smoking a joint and suddenly you arent feeling so good. Your stomach is distended, and youre wondering whats going on. You were hoping cannabis was going to make you feel better, but now youre feeling terrible, and youre wondering could it be the cannabis causing that bloated feeling?
While bloating isnt a particularly well-known side effect from using cannabis, it can happen. Cannabis consumers have reported a variety of unpleasant gastric side effects when they use cannabis, especially when smoking.
Ive experienced severe bloating in my abdomen every time I use cannabis, especially if I smoke it, says one user. Its like my stomach swells up like a balloon and feels like its going to pop. Im feeling the pressure in my chest now, too.
This users experience isnt unique. Others chimed in with similar accounts of bloating in the stomach, which sometimes affects even the chest and throat. So, what could be the cause of this strange but common phenomenon?
There are multiple reasons you may experience bloating with cannabisand the weed itself may not be the culprit. But if you end up with a bloated stomach after smoking marijuana, here are a few explanations for what may be going on.
Food or Water Can Cause Bloating
How Can I Prevent Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
The only proven way to prevent cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is to avoid cannabis.
If you need help quitting cannabis, you should speak to your primary care provider or connect with your local addiction treatment services. You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 800.662.HELP . This free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year service provides treatment referral and information in English and Spanish.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is Coolsculpting Stomach
Clinical Features Diagnosis And Treatment
Because we do not know a lot about these two problems, your regular doctor may not think about them as a cause of your sickness. This can make it take a long time to figure out what is happening, and it can take around 10 years from the time you start having trouble.
Important symptoms include:
Feel sick to the stomach and throw up at times, while feeling normal in between
A little increase in body temperature
Headache
Loose bowels/diarrhea
These usually happen for 3 to 4 days but can last as long as 1 week in bad cases. You can feel normal when not having the problem.
The pain is usually around the belly button and can get better with hot shower/baths. Some patients use hot water bags across the center of their belly and can burn the skin if done a lot.
When people are sick, they can also sweat and just not feel right. The throwing up can be bad and can cause you to be low on body water. We fix this by giving the water back through the veins and giving drugs to stop the sick feeling and lower the acid in the stomach.
Treatment For Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Can Include Some Of The Following:
- IV fluid replacement for dehydration
- Medication for nausea and to ease vomiting caused by weed sickness
- Benzodiazepines may be prescribed for those suffering anxiety related to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
- Continued hot showers
- Capsaicin cream, which can have the effect of a warm shower, and may ease the symptoms for some people when rubbed on the stomach
- Proton-pump inhibitors that will help alleviate stomach inflammation
After stopping the use of marijuana, some people will find relief very quickly, while others may have symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome for up to 10 days or so.
Its not uncommon for certain CHS symptoms to persist for several months and these may be related to marijuana withdrawal instead of CHS for those with dependence.
Some people may need to undergo addiction treatment for marijuana use disorder in order to give up weed use all together if they are a long-term user.
-
High Functioning Depression is a term that gets thrown around a lot to describe a
Summit Malibu
Summit Malibu is the longest running boutique addiction treatment center in Malibu, California. Our residential rehab program offers dual diagnosis drug and alcohol addiction treatment to heal the mind, body, and soul. Summit Malibu is Joint Commission Accredited and licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services.
Recommended Reading: How Much To Get Your Stomach Done
Why The Vomiting Happens
We know that marijuana works in the brain to stop nausea and increase hunger, Dr. Cline says. But it can also be toxic and cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We believe, though we dont yet have research to support it, that marijuana actually slows gastric emptying, causing the GI problems.
When your stomach cant empty normally, food simply sits there. When it sits there too long, Dr. Cline says, it tends to come back up through vomiting.
Medical or recreational use? The result is the same.
The real question is, You have an underlying problem and youre using marijuana to help it, but could it really be hurting you? Thats a big question. And theres no way currently to test for what range is therapeutic and whats toxic, Dr. Cline says.
What Are The Possible Complications Of Chs
Frequent vomiting can lead to complications, including:9,10
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can result in nutritional deficiencies and renal failure.
- Aspiration, which can result in inflammation of lung tissue and aspiration pneumonia .
- Esophagus rupture and other esophageal injury such as tears in the tissue.
- Low potassium .
- Low levels of phosphorous in the blood .
- Air trapped in the chest cavity between the lungs .
Read Also: What Can Make Your Stomach Bloat
Smoking And Crohns Disease
Crohns disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This disease is an autoimmune disorder of the digestive tract. For reasons that are not clear, it’s more common among smokers than nonsmokers. Although there are many ways to help keep Crohns flares under control, it has no cure. Smoking can also make it harder to control Crohn’s disease and its symptoms.
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 theres no need to worry because you can avoid this side effect with proper dosage control and ingestion methods.
______________________________
Don’t Miss: How To Lose Just Stomach Fat
Diarrhea And Weed Is There Any Connection
an weed cause diarrhea?
The mechanisms of how marijuana may induce diarrhea and other stomach problems are unclear. But these effects are supported by several studies. The Marijuana Doctors online resource says that using marijuana can lead to an upset stomach. smoking weed and the use of oils or edibles can be the reason behind sudden diarrhea.
The gastrointestinal tract is strongly influenced by the endocannabinoid system , and the substances contained in marijuana alter the functioning of ECS. Cannabinoids, THC and CBD in particular, influence the digestive system. They can promote diarrhea and be the reason for some people to stay close to the bathroom. Moreover, if you like cannabis-infused oils, you have to remember that they can sometimes lead to intestinal upset.
Negative Effects Of Cannabis
While cannabis seems to provide many benefits, it does have its drawbacks and side effects. Short-term side effects can include short-term memory impairment, diminished motor skills, decreased reaction times, fatigue, anxiety, panic, increased heart rate, increased or decreased blood pressure, and dry mouth. These effects can make activities such as driving and operating large machinery dangerous, so avoid cannabis before any activity that requires quick thinking and sharp reflexes.
Long-term side effects can include depression, anxiety, and dependence on or addiction to cannabis products. If you typically consume cannabis by smoking it, other long-term effects, including chronic cough, bronchitis, and lung infections, can also occur. You can avoid these effects by choosing other methods of administration, such as vaporization, ingestible oils, oral sprays, and capsules.
In some cases, long-term cannabis use can cause a disorder called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and colicky abdominal pain that you can relieve temporarily by taking hot showers, or permanently by ceasing all cannabis use. Abrupt discontinuation of cannabis may cause withdrawal effects and the best method of stopping cannabis should be discussed with your healthcare team.
10 Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team About Medical Cannabis
Read Also: What Causes Your Stomach To Hurt After You Eat
Smoking Causes Stomach Cancer
The link between smoking and lung cancer is well established, but a lot of people dont realize that smoking increases your chances of getting stomach cancer as well.
Stomach cancer develops when cells grow abnormally in your stomach lining. These abnormal cells form tumors.
Tumors can grow large enough to block your esophagus. They can also spread throughout your abdominal cavity.
Tobacco use has been linked to stomach cancer in several ways. First, tobacco contains chemicals called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines damage DNA in cells. This damages cell growth control mechanisms. When these mechanisms fail, cells become cancerous.
Second, nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline from your adrenal glands. Adrenaline speeds up cell division. This helps cancer cells multiply faster.
Third, nicotine constricts blood vessels. This reduces oxygen supply to tissues. This makes it harder for healthy cells to survive.
Finally, nicotine triggers the production of free radicals. Free radicals attack healthy tissue. They also destroy enzymes that protect against cancer.
People who smoke have higher rates of stomach cancer than non-smokers.
In addition, women who smoke have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer than men who smoke. Smoking may increase your risk of stomach cancer by about 1 in 10.
Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for stomach cancer.
When To Be Concerned
Diarrhea or constipation, whether cannabis-related or not, usually goes away within a few days after taking steps to address the issue. However, longer-term symptoms may be an indication of a larger health concern.
Cannabis users can also experience diarrhea or constipation due to whats called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome . This rare but concerning condition often occurs in heavy, continued cannabis use, potentially due to an overload of THC stored in fat cells in the body.
CHS is accompanied by recurrent bouts of pain in the stomach and intense nausea and vomiting. Symptoms typically vary in the three phases of CHS:
- Prodromal Phase. Includes abdominal pain and nausea.
- Hyperemetic Phase. Lasts 24-48 hours and often includes compulsive vomiting.
- Recovery Phase. Symptoms gradually lessen and disappear with decreased cannabis use.
While all these symptoms are unpleasant, its easy enough to treat CHS: simply abstain from THC for a while until you can rebuild your tolerance. A hot shower, black pepper , and soothing distractions will help soothe symptoms in the meantime.
You May Like: What Is Stage 2 Stomach Cancer
Too Much Marijuana Can Make You Unpleasantly Dangerously Sick
Feb. 11, 2022 — At the center of the emerging science on the unintended consequences of daily long-term use of lies a paradox.
For years, medical marijuana has been used to ease nausea from cancer chemotherapy and GI conditions. Now, with greater legalization comes growing awareness that chronic use of marijuana — also known as cannabis — can trigger a condition where, ironically, a person has hard-to-control vomiting and nausea.
Some people with the disorder, known as âcannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome,â also report crippling belly pain.
Linda can relate. The 33-year-old Oregon resident, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her privacy, refers to a medieval spiky metal ball on a chain when describing the pain.
“Picture a mace inside your stomach, pushing up inside your chest and, at the same time, exploding out,â she says.
To seek relief, she gets down on her knees, adopts a child’s yoga pose, and runs hot water in the bathroom for hours on end, a trick many with the disorder says has provided relief. She also occasionally goes outside and tries walking it off.
“I would just wander around my neighborhood, a lot of times at like 4 or 5 in the morning,” she says.
“The fresh air helps a little bit. I just keep walking down the street, take about 10 steps, stop, vomit — walk a little bit more, stop, vomit.â
Her first experience with the disorder began in the middle of one night in 2017 while she was at a conference in Las Vegas.
What Is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Though it is rare, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a condition that leads to severe and repeated bouts of vomiting in long-term, daily marijuana users. CHS is one of the negative side effects of marijuana users may encounter from smoking weed.
The condition is sometimes called Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and the symptoms appear as a type of weed sickness that users usually experience early in the morning after waking up and getting high.
Tetrahydrocannibinol is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC is what binds to molecules in the brain to produce the high that users experience. There are, however, molecules in the digestive tract that also bond to THC.
Regular marijuana use can actually cause changes in the digestive system, as well as the esophageal sphincter, the tight band of tissue and muscles that open to let food into the stomach.
Over time, daily pot use can alter the molecules in the digestive tract that lead to nausea and vomiting, which are the most symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
Recommended Reading: How To Turn Stomach Fat Into Muscle