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How does cannabis work with my gut bacteria?

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Last updated on Dec 4, 2024

Created on Jan 27, 2021

Cannabis, the endocannabinoid system and its relationship with the gut microbiome.

Article written by

April AcernoContent Writer

Content reviewed by

Dr. Lewis Jassey

Table of contents

  1. The role of the endocannabinoid system in your gut
  2. Can cannabis improve gut health?
  3. Cannabis works with gut bacteria to regulate your GI tract
  4. Can medical cannabis patients improve their gut health with cannabinoids? Research says yes
  5. Frequently asked questions
  6. Resources

Approximately 1.6 million Americans are currently suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), with as many as 70,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. 

Treatments for IBD range from lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to pharmaceuticals, but these methods often require constant adjustment to remain effective. In researchers’ attempts to better understand IBD, some have found evidence supporting patients’ experiences using medical cannabis as a form of treatment. But, can cannabis actually contribute to a healthy gut microbiome?

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The role of the endocannabinoid system in your gut

Our high school biology classes taught us about the nervous system and the digestive system, but what we didn’t learn about in school is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is responsible for many key functions including eating, sleeping, and handling stress. Inflammation, which is a key symptom of all types of IBD, is also regulated by the ECS.

Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, which are like the cannabinoids produced by cannabis. Sometimes, our bodies don’t make enough of these endocannabinoids (called “endocannabinoid deficiency”), which researchers are learning could play a major role in many chronic conditions, including gastrointestinal conditions like IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

More research is needed to fully understand how the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system are connected, but the link between the two undoubtedly exists. It is posited that a deficiency of endocannabinoids could cause inflammation in the gut, which can lead to other problems such as IBS and autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s. The endocannabinoid system may also be responsible for regulating gut motility and permeability.

An inflamed gut can cause further dysfunction in the immune system. Many autoimmune disorders, including type-1 diabetes and lupus, could be associated with an out-of-balance gut microbiome, endocannabinoid deficiency, and related genetic mutations.

Can cannabis improve gut health?

bald woman laying in pain clutches her stomach

In 2010 a Belgian research team discovered the link between gut microbiota and the endocannabinoid system. They found that altering the gut microbiome of obese mice through prebiotics (i.e., foods that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut) altered cannabinoid receptor expression in fat tissues.

In 2015, a Canadian team of researchers conducted a study where they administered a daily dose of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or placebo to mice who received either a lean or high-fat diet for six weeks. They found that mice being dosed with THC, even the ones being fed a high-fat diet, had improved microbiome health after three to four weeks.

Our gut bacteria are essential to maintain our weight and digest food. These bacteria also regulate the epithelial barrier, a protective layer that lines the interior of the GI tract. The ECS, specifically cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), plays a major role in this regulatory process.

“The epithelial barrier is crucial to maintaining what we call homeostasis, or the normal body’s functions,” University of Calgary professor and researcher Keith Sharkey said. “The control of that fine lining is extremely carefully managed by the body. We have developed as mammals this very intricate control system, which prevents damage or quickly repairs damage, to prevent further erosion of our bodies. The bacteria we have in our gut contribute to that system. And it seems that the ECS is a very important control element.”

Even more surprising, mice on a high-fat diet who were dosed with THC gained no weight, while mice on a high-fat diet and placebo gained up to 4 grams on average, or an increase of 20% of their body mass.

Cannabis works with gut bacteria to regulate your GI tract

Right now, we know that the ECS affects the digestive system in a few different ways. It helps regulate digestion, moderate inflammation, and facilitate communication between your gut and brain.

Specifically, cannabis seems to help with inflammation within the GI tract as it does with any other part of the body. The gastrointestinal tract also contains a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors.

Studies with mice have found that a skewed ratio of gut bacteria could be restored by using THC, which has demonstrated an ability to increase the abundance of bacteria that controls fat storage and metabolism. Researchers have found that cannabis use is associated with decreased abundance of two strains of bacteria that have been linked to obesity.

Other researchers found that cannabis users possessed bacteria populations associated with higher caloric intake despite having a lower overall BMI compared to non-cannabis users.

Alongside THC, cannabidiol (CBD) could also be useful as an anti-inflammatory, and for the relief of severe IBS due to its action on serotonin receptors and opioid receptors, on top of its anti-anxiety properties.

Can medical cannabis patients improve their gut health with cannabinoids? Research says yes

medical cannabis

The truth is that a lot of research is still needed to fully understand how cannabis interacts with our gut bacteria. However, the evidence so far shows that the endocannabinoid system plays an integral part in the efficiency of the GI tract, as it does with almost every other major bodily function. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with better mood, improved sleep, and a stronger heart, brain, and immune system.

If you suffer from ulcerative colitis (UC), coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, or any other GI tract condition, you may be able to find relief with medical marijuana treatment. Leafwell can help you connect with a licensed physician in your state to discuss your options.

Frequently asked questions

Does CBD heal your gut?

CBD is a popular cannabis plant derivative for gut health thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. While more research is needed, studies show a positive correlation between cannabis products that are high in CBD and improved gut health.

Can marijuana treat leaky gut syndrome?

While research is still young, studies show that cannabis may reduce intestinal permeability, a hallmark of “leaky gut syndrome,” through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Is indica or sativa better for gut health?

Various indica and sativa strains may benefit gut health depending on their unique chemical cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Rather than sticking to indicas or sativas for symptom relief, opt for strains known for their positive effects on digestion and inflammation.

Resources

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