Is CBD an Effective Treatment for IBS?

It’s finally time to answer the burning question I get asked at least once a week… should I be using CBD oil for IBS?

The short answer is that we don’t have research to show a direct benefit of CBD use for IBS. But the longer answer is that there could still be a beneficial use for it.

What is CBD?

Before we dig in to the potential uses of CBD, I wanted to break down what it is and what it is not.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid that can be derived from two varieties of the cannabis sativa plant: hemp and marijuana. CBD from hemp comes from the long stalks and bark of the plant, whereas CBD from marijuana comes from the buds and flowering parts of the plant. Hemp has the greater CBD content, so most CBD oil products are from hemp.

The other well known cannabinoid in these plants is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana. Marijuana has a greater THC content than CBD, whereas hemp has a lower THC content.

CBD from hemp is the best option when choosing a CBD product because there will be a lower THC content, preventing any psychoactive effects from the product. CBD from hemp will also be legal in all states, whereas marijuana is illegal in most states.

Endocannabinoid System

Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids that influence our endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for keeping the other systems in the body balanced.

A strong endocannabinoid system is like having a strong foundation on a home, supporting the entire structure.
A weak endocannabinoid system puts other systems at risk of imbalance, which can lead to health concerns.

We still have a lot to learn about the endocannabinoid system, but we do know there are two major receptors that play important roles for the entire body, referred to as CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and are associated with memory, appetite, movement, coordination, pain sensation, mood, and sleep.
CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune system cells, which are mostly located in the gut, and are associated with inflammation and pain.

THC attaches to CB1 receptors, which is why you see mind altering effects from marijuana. CBD attaches to CB2 receptors, which is why we see a connection between CBD from hemp and changes in inflammation and pain.

Take the quiz

Want to learn more about IBS? Sign up for a free IBS mini course here!

Can CBD help with IBS?

Studies show that CBD contains many beneficial properties as an antipsychotic, analgesic, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiarthritic. Many claims about the benefit of CBD comes from these properties.

While the properties themselves are impressive, it doesn’t mean that CBD is guaranteed to have these effects on everybody. That’s where we need research studies on the direct effect of CBD in different doses on the human body and with different conditions.

Most research we do have available is the benefit of CBD for seizures. That doesn’t help us a ton with IBS, but thankfully the rise in CBD use has encouraged more research. There are animal studies that looked at the use of CBD for anxiety.

Original results were conflicting, but they found a positive benefit with moderate dosing and less effect with large doses. It’s hard to fully translate that to human use, but moderate intake of CBD oil has the potential to improve anxiety, which can play a major role in IBS management. Human studies show less perceived anxiety from stressful situations with chronic use, which may suggest daily use in moderate dosages to be effective.

There are also studies to show a benefit for sleep, which is one of side effects you may hear others raving about the most. CBD is also showing promise as an antidepressant. Studies are still small and new, but this could be an option in the future for those with depression and IBS who don’t want to start a prescription antidepressant.

In regards to the endocannabinoid system, it is thought that dysregulation of the system may play a role in intestinal disorders including IBS and SIBO. We see that activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors can slow motility or reduce hypersensitivity. CB1 receptors may also be involved in modulation neurotransmission along the vagus nerve, which is the communication route between the gut and brain. Because of these connections, the use of CBD for IBS-D is promising. But, again, we have a lot to learn and study before knowing for sure.

One thing to remember is that our body naturally produces cannabinoids that can stimulate both CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD is not the only option for a healthy endocannabinoid system, but it does have the potential to be a beneficial supplement for this system.

Recommendation

If you choose to try out CBD, my best recommendation is to get the best quality product you can. CBD is a supplement so it isn’t regulated, which creates potential for harm. You want to find CBD from hemp (not hemp oil), and look for organic hemp if possible.

Like any oils derived from plants, you want to trace it back to the source to ensure there are no heavy metals or harsh chemicals. Make sure your oil is very low THC or THC-free, to avoid the mind-altering effect, aka the “high” feeling. Start with a lower dose, and discuss with your doctor before starting to make sure the dosage is safe for you. Currently, studies show no negative side effects of CBD but studies of chronic use are scarce.

I personally did my own research before trying CBD oil, and I encourage you to do the same. If you’re looking for a great brand, I recommend Best Bud. They are a sister-duo that gets their CBD from an organic hemp farm in New York. Every bottle is bottled in Nashville, and they are passionate about giving you the best quality possible.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30730563

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24923339

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01175.x

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2016.0001

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163725810000069

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26638765?dopt=Abstract

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/pdf/permj20_4p0108.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/pdf/npp20116a.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20829306