Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movement patterns. The cause of IBS is unclear, but it is estimated that 10-20% of people in Western countries suffer from this debilitating condition. Conventional treatment options for IBS have traditionally involved pharmacological intervention and lifestyle modifications, often with limited success. Fortunately, research suggests that cannabis, specifically THC-free Cannabidiol (CBD), may hold significant promise in alleviating IBS symptoms, providing a new avenue for treatment and paving the way for a potential natural solution.
IBS affects both the quality and quantity of life for patients, causing physical and psychological distress. Traditional medications designed to treat IBS usually work by manipulating serotonin or motility receptors in the brain or gut, attempting to normalize bowel habits or alleviate symptoms. However, many of these medications often have adverse side effects and can lead to dependency and abuse.
CBD, extracted from the Cannabis plant, offers a non-psychoactive and non-abusing alternative. Its impact on the gut has attracted growing attention due to research pointing to its ability to promote gastrointestinal relaxation and diminish pain. In 2002, researchers published their findings in the journal Neurogastroenterology and Motility, finding that CBD suppressed visceral inflammatory hyperalgesia – or inflammation-related abdominal hypersensitivity – in a way comparable to existing pharmaceutical pain-relievers.
Mechanisms underlying CBD’s analgesic properties appear complex and involve various aspects. Cannabidiol targets and influences a set of neurotransmitters responsible for communication between gut neurons. Notably, the same mechanism allows for potential interplay between endocannabinoid and other cannabinoid systems within the brain to ease the effects of neurogastrointestinal diseases (Nguyen, et al. 2020). With these advancements in understand