Nausea is just one of many ailments that marijuana has been used to cure for ages. However, the answer to whether marijuana can help ease nausea is – it depends.
Several studies have indicated that marijuana can help cancer patients receiving chemotherapy feel less sick. Evidence from other studies shows that marijuana may have a stimulating impact on the digestive tract, which might make nausea worse.
It’s important to note that while some people find relief from nausea with marijuana, it is not a cure-all and may not work for everyone. It is also not a replacement for conventional medical treatment and should be used in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Does Marijuana Help with Nausea?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the vital active chemicals in marijuana and is responsible for the plant’s euphoric effects. Moreover, THC has been demonstrated to alleviate nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and those living with HIV/AIDS who are taking antiemetics.
However, THC also has drawbacks and can lead to memory loss, sluggish reflexes, psychosis, and anxiety. Because of this, some people like using CBD (cannabidiol), another active ingredient in marijuana that does not cause inebriation.
It’s also crucial to weigh the pros and downsides of each strain of marijuana before deciding which to use to treat nausea. The anti-nausea properties of one strain of marijuana may outweigh the euphoric effects of another.
On the other hand, a CBD-rich strain may be less helpful in relieving nausea but may also have fewer psychedelic effects.
The mode of intake should also be taken into account. While smoking or vaporizing marijuana might bring rapid comfort, it also has the potential to wreak havoc on your lungs. Meanwhile, edibles may take up to an hour or more to kick in, but their effects tend to stay far longer.
Pros and Cons of Using Cannabis for Nausea
While marijuana has shown promise in lowering nausea in certain studies, it is not a panacea. One must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing cannabis for this reason.
Pros
- There is some evidence that marijuana helps alleviate chemo nausea and vomiting, particularly in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Marijuana is usually considered a safe and well-tolerated drug, with very few overdose cases recorded. Compared to other drugs that combat sickness, it has fewer adverse side effects.
- Potentially useful when other treatments have failed, and conventional remedies have failed to alleviate nausea, medical marijuana may offer some comfort.
- In many places, the use of marijuana for either medicinal or recreational purposes is now legal, making it more widely accessible.
Cons
- Cannabis’s effects on the brain and body make it unfit for several situations that need concentration and motor control (such as driving). This adverse effect should be considered when participating in any activity requiring focused attention or motor control.
- Lack of oversight in the marijuana sector might affect product consistency. Those who use marijuana for medicinal purposes may be concerned that there are no standards to guarantee the safety and purity of marijuana products.
- Some pharmaceuticals, including antidepressants, pain relievers, and blood thinners, may not work as well when used with marijuana. If you are currently taking drugs, you should talk to your doctor before deciding whether or not to add marijuana to your routine.
Best Strains of Marijuana for Severe Nausea
Cannabinoids (the plant’s active components) and terpenes (the molecules responsible for the plant’s distinctive fragrance) vary widely amongst marijuana strains. These strains are reputed to be effective for nausea:
- Ginger Ale: This kind of cannabis is lauded for its euphoric and stimulating qualities, as well as its ability to ease gastrointestinal distress. High quantities of the chemical THC characterize this Sativa-dominant strain.
- Green Crack: It is a strain noted for its energizing and uplifting effects and may aid individuals who feel nauseated owing to a lack of appetite. And it has a lot of THC in it too.
- Blue Dream: This hybrid strain has euphoric and sedative effects, making it a popular choice for people seeking relief from chronic pain. Many people who suffer from nausea and gastrointestinal problems turn to this remedy.
- Canna-Tsu: This strain contains a lot of CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has shown promise for medical use. It is also reportedly helpful for nausea and other gastrointestinal problems.
- Harlequin: It is an excellent option for individuals who are sensitive to THC or who seek the possible medical advantages of marijuana without the euphoric effects, as it has high levels of CBD and minimal levels of THC.
It’s crucial to talk to a doctor before using marijuana for nausea to be sure it’s the right choice for you.
Carefully considering these factors with your doctor can help you select the optimal strain and dose. In some states, you are required to show your medical marijuana card to buy medical cannabis products.
Best Ways to Use Cannabis for Nausea
There are several methods of using cannabis for nausea, such as:
- Smoking: To smoke marijuana, you must light a joint or pipe and inhale the smoke. Although effective quickly, this technique has risks to the lungs and should be avoided by anybody with breathing difficulties.
- Vaporizing: Marijuana may be vaporized by heating it to a high enough temperature to release the active chemicals into the vapor breathed. Due to the lack of smoke and less lung damage, this alternative is preferred over smoking.
- Edibles: Edibles are any edible food or drink that contains THC. Their onset of action may be delayed by up to an hour, but their effects are frequently more long-lasting. THC may also be used orally as an alternative to smoking or vaporizing.
- Tinctures: THC tinctures are ingested sublingually (beneath the tongue), much like regular drops of liquid. This procedure is effective quickly and offers an alternative to smoking or consuming edibles.
- Topicals: Creams and oils are topical treatments that may be used topically, meaning they can be applied directly to the skin. These topical medical marijuana products are not taken into circulation. Thus, they do not have any psychoactive effects, but they may help lower inflammation and other symptoms.
When deciding how to use marijuana for nausea, it’s necessary to consider factors including personal choice and potential health consequences. It’s also best, to begin with, a low dose and raise it as essential to discover the optimal level for your requirements.
By working with our medical marijuana doctors in Sarasota and in other locations, you can explore the potential benefits of medical marijuana in managing your condition while ensuring compliance with the legal requirements in your state. Let us provide you with the expertise and support you need to find relief and improve your quality of life.
If you want to learn more about how to treat nausea with marijuana, contact us today to learn more about the best strains and the proper dosage.