A chronic illness known as ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and small sores, or ulcers, in the colon or large intestine. According to recent research, some of the anti-inflammatory properties of certain cannabis plant strains can help control ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Before using marijuana to treat your ulcerative colitis, you should speak with a physician. He can advise you on the safest dosages for treating your conditions and will provide you with an online medical card to legally access marijuana. You could try the following strains to treat the ulcerative colitis symptoms:
- Granddaddy Purple
- Cannatonic
- ACDC
- Chemo
- Green Crack
- Blue Cheese
- Lemon Jack
There is insufficient scientific data to conclusively prove that these particular cannabis cultivars can treat ulcerative colitis. Their compounds, anecdotal evidence, and encouraging findings from prospective and observational studies, however, point to a possible benefit.
The Impact of Cannabis on Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are members of the same family of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Both diseases are autoimmune disorders that lead to dysregulation of the digestive system and inflammation.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis both cause inflammation in the digestive tract, but ulcerative colitis specifically damages the inner lining of the colon. Since the painful symptoms of UC are primarily caused by chronic inflammation, medical cannabis’s anti-inflammatory properties may aid in the management of symptoms.
What the research shows
By acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is in charge of controlling a number of important biological processes like memory, pain perception, and digestion, among others, medical marijuana helps to reduce the discomfort associated with UC.
Because the gut has a high concentration of ECS receptors, cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with these receptors to reduce intestinal inflammation. Some terpenes and minor cannabinoids have also shown anti-inflammatory properties, and they may help with IBD patients’ stomach pain and other symptoms.
According to research, endocannabinoid deficiencies may be linked to autoimmune diseases like UC. Therefore, restocking on cannabinoids through medical marijuana may help to balance the endocannabinoid system and reduce inflammation associated with IBD.
Anandamide, one of the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, was found to be elevated in individuals with UC in another study, suggesting a connection between the endocannabinoid system and the illness. While ulcerative colitis has received less research than Crohn’s disease, a promising study found that using medical cannabis reduced uncomfortable symptoms by 60%.
Cannabis appears to help treat UC in many ways. Among the most well-known ingredients in cannabis, THC and CBD both have effects that lessen some of the most excruciating symptoms of the illness. For instance, THC’s analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities can help lessen the perception of pain, increase appetite, and ease UC-related nausea.
The strong anti-inflammatory effects of CBD reduce intestinal inflammation by acting indirectly on the ECS receptors in the gut. Furthermore, medical marijuana can elevate mood and perspective in general.
Effective Ways to Use Cannabis for Ulcerative Colitis Relief
When selecting the ideal strain and mode of consumption, individuals who want to use cannabis to treat their ulcerative colitis must take into account their particular medical needs, lifestyle, and physiology.
● Smoking
One popular and quick-acting way to get the benefits of cannabis is to smoke it. This method allows the body to absorb cannabinoids faster and provides faster relief. Smoking, however, may have longer-term negative effects from breathing in carcinogens.
● Vaping
Another quick-acting method is vaping, which lowers the temperature at which cannabis flowers react to heat, vaporizing the cannabinoids and allowing the body to absorb them through the lungs. Effects from smoking and vaping typically take two to three hours to manifest.
● Edibles
For those looking for pain relief that lasts longer, edibles might be the better option. Edibles take a lot longer to take effect than inhalation.
Edible cannabis products have effects that last for several hours after the liver breaks them down, so using less product yields more potent results. Additionally, it is simpler to dose edibles accurately, particularly when products are acquired from a dispensary.
● Topicals and Tinctures
A dropper full of cannabis-infused liquid first distributes cannabinoids via salivary glands before being metabolized by the digestive system, making tinctures a good compromise between smoking and edibles. Topicals may be less beneficial than other dietary options for treating other symptoms, but they can help with the localized pain linked to UC.
It is always advisable to speak with an MMJ doctor before beginning to use marijuana. Seeking advice from a doctor is crucial, as they can determine whether or not marijuana use is appropriate for you.
The Best Strains for Ulcerative Colitis
CBD-rich strains or products could be very helpful in providing effective UC relief. THC’s more intoxicating effects can be lessened while intestinal inflammation is soothed by CBD, a strong anti-inflammatory. Additionally, the terpene beta-caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may be of great assistance to individuals suffering from IBDs such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. Try out SpruceCBD, natural CBD products that give relief – empowering you to live life fully.
1. Granddaddy Purple
A beloved indica cultivar, Granddaddy Purple is well-known for bringing about both mental and physical relaxation. This strain is taken by people to relieve UC symptoms like nausea and cramping. Compared to other options on this list, the strain is more euphoric due to its high THC and myrcene content.
2. Cannatonic
A high-CBD strain ideal for UC patients experiencing inflammation is cannatonic. Anxiety can also occasionally strike people with UC.
The high CBD content of this strain, combined with the absence of THC’s potentially euphoric effects, makes it a useful treatment. Cannatonic contains several notable terpenes, including myrcene, pinene, and limonene.
3. ACDC
ACDC has one of the highest CBD percentages available on the cannabis market and is genetically related to cannabinoids. The medicinal properties of this strain lessen the inflammatory and ulcerative pain associated with UC while also lowering the autoimmune reactions linked to the illness.
4. Chemo
Chemo is a potently calming cultivar that is best used in the evening for individuals with Crohn’s or UC who require a strong, sedative dose. Its ability to relieve pain causes a heavy physical feeling that calms users and eventually pulls them into a sound sleep. Chemotherapy is an effective strain for preventing food from going down and relieving stomach cramps because it also seems to increase appetite.
5. Green Crack
It can be difficult for some UC patients to get through the day without becoming exhausted because of their chronic fatigue. Green Crack is a stimulating strain that uplifts and enlivens the body due to its higher concentrations of limonene and beta-caryophyllene.
6. Blue Cheese
Chronic UC patients may lose a lot of weight during flare-ups because of their difficult eating relationship, which can exacerbate symptoms. Blue cheese is a potent appetite stimulant that can aid in maintaining stomach emptying in people who lack appetite or have trouble controlling nausea. Additionally, before going to bed, this calming strain helps people manage chronic pain.
7. Lemon Jack
One strain that can easily take the place of a morning cup of coffee is lemon jack. Those looking to lessen the weariness and anxiety brought on by having IBD symptoms and untimely inflammation may find this stimulating cultivar beneficial.
