Why Does Weed Make me Poop?

Whether you’ve had too many spicy snacks or had a few too many tokes, some people might feel like cannabis is more of a laxative with each munchies session. This is complicated, as there’s evidence that cannabis can be pretty helpful towards certain symptoms like gut or colon inflammation and general pain.

Other consumers might feel like having more bowel movements, which could be good or not so good, depending on your point of view. So, with accessibility to new hemp-derived cannabinoids, more users have started to question why weed sometimes makes them go number 2 more easily.

In this small article, we’ve explored the link between some gastrointestinal problems but also aids that cannabis can help with. We also looked for some studies that can help understand the benefits while also exploring a few of the most common side effects or syndromes.

 

Key Takeaways

• Endocannabinoids play an important role in your digestive system, including the inhibition of mucus and inflammation and even reducing or inducing bowel movement.
• Stress can play a role in involuntary reactions as part of the defensive mechanism we have in our endocannabinoid system.
• Chronic use of cannabis can lead to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which provokes excessive vomiting and abdominal pain.
• In general, cannabis can affect your digestive system, but the general consensus is complicated. Some people sensitive to cannabinoids can get constipated, while others could get pain relief from colon inflammation. It all comes down to the response of each body and microdosing.

 

Endocannabinoids and Your Digestion

While this might sound crazy at first, the digestive tract has evidence of several endocannabinoids and enzymes in our body. According to this study, there is the presence of CB1 receptors in our gut and alimentary tract, showing that it can help with sphincter relaxation, gastric motility, and even acid secretion.

Furthermore, the researchers found that some of the endogenous cannabinoids in this part of the system could have antiemetic effects and aid with intestinal inflammation through the activation of several signals in the endocannabinoid system.

In simpler words, the scientist found that endocannabinoids play a big role in digestion and the general processes of your gut. The researchers even found potential new treatments for several gastrointestinal diagnoses, which include nausea, vomiting, gastric ulcers, and even inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Defense Mechanisms in Stressful Situations

Sometimes our body can produce certain signaling in stressful situations. By altering the nervous network in our body, stress can trigger certain problems in the digestive system.

Since the endocannabinoid network also works as part of this natural signaling system, the chemical response can make people feel nauseous, get bowel movements going, or even get diarrhea as part of their symptoms.

These defense mechanisms are natural and part of our body, but they can get pretty annoying if left unchecked. The use of external cannabinoids and regulation of the CB1 receptors through a psychoactive compound could aid with these involuntary side effects of feeling stressed.

 

Production of Mucus in Your Digestive System

Now, we’ve talked before about how endocannabinoids have a role in the digestive system. That said, there is also evidence that cannabinoids could play an even bigger part in gastrointestinal mucose defense and inflammation.

According to this study, cannabinoids could help modulate the activity of certain physiological and pathophysiological processes. They can aid regulatory enzymes, which are part of the system responsible for keeping a healthy amount of mucus, preventing hemorrhages, and aiding with inflammation.

The research concluded that activating CB1 receptors, whether plant-derived, from your own body or synthetic, could decrease the formation of gastric lesions. Experimental data then suggests that the endocannabinoid system is fully linked with the production of mucus in your digestive system, and the correct regulation of this could potentially lead to a healthier barrier in the digestive tract.

 

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Now, there is a possible diagnosis that derives from continuous cannabinoid exposition. The Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition that is usually associated with heavy use of cannabinoids. 

Some of the symptoms of this diagnosis have a cyclical pattern, usually characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain. Some people usually suffer some of these effects during different periods, including remission cycles where the symptoms just poof out of the blue.

CHS is a somewhat rare condition, but it appears to be pretty frequent if hemp is consumed or with chronic users. That said, the exact cause of this syndrome is not well understood. Users and anecdotal evidence suggest this happens due to the effects on your body’s cannabinoid receptors that regulate nausea and vomiting.

It is important to seek medical care if the symptoms come at large, like persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, and you are also a really heavy cannabinoid user. Most patients feel relief after dropping cannabinoids for a while with some palliatives to treat the symptoms.

So if you start feeling any of these symptoms, you might want to leave delta 9 THC on your next holiday at home and also take a break from cannabinoids for some time.

 

Can Cannabis Cause Diarrhea?

As we explained above, hemp and cannabis are plants that contain compounds called cannabinoids. These are responsible for several effects on our body, including the regulation of several muscles, nausea, and vomiting.

One of the most common effects of hemp is diarrhea. While it is believed that the effect of cannabinoids on our nervous system can cause diarrhea, there is also another possible explanation.

Some users believe that THC can interact with receptors in our digestive system and alter regular functions. This can lead to increased bowel movement and general dysfunction, which turns into rapid movement or diarrhea.

Terpenes could also play a role with cannabis and diarrhea. Some of these can have a laxative effect on your system, which could contribute to rapid bowel movement. It is important to understand that this could also happen to consumers especially sensitive to gastrointestinal reactions.

 

How to Avoid Getting Cannabis Diarrhea

Consumers who might be sensitive to gastrointestinal changes could definitely have some unwanted side effects. The first step to stop some of these reactions is lowering your current intake or potency. Switching to lower cannabinoids, like changing up delta 9 for delta 8, could be helpful to improve the side effects.

Other people suggest trying CBD with your current hemp or cannabis products. From changing to a full spectrum formula like the Delta 9 Gummies in the Delta Munchies store to microdosing your current dose to have fewer symptoms with most of the wellness effects.

By using edibles like the delta 9 gummies, you can relax and have smaller bite sizes with only 10mg of D9 THC and 15mg of a mix of cannabinoids with each candy. These come in many different flavors, including Blue Dream, Strawberry Shortcake, Mango Crush, Pink Lemonade, Kiwi Burst, and Peach Gelato.

While having too much delta 9 THC can have side effects like diarrhea, research shows that it could also be helpful towards endotoxic inflammation. This study found that the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system could aid in regulating intestinal inflammation.

 

Smoking vs. Edibles for Digestion

Mainly, there are a few key differences between smoking hemp flower and consuming it through an edible. Both have a different impact on how they each could change digestion, mainly edibles, as they are actually absorbed through the digestive system itself.

When cannabis is vaporized, the THC and other cannabinoids are absorbed vía the capillaries in our lungs, allowing for quick absorption directly into our bloodstream. This causes some effects, including the intoxicating feeling but also some wellness effects, like its analgesic properties.

This rapid absorption can be a problem too. Some people might feel more intense and potentially unwanted digestive issues, such as diarrhea or even rapid movement. However, this is usually more of a sensitivity problem.

On the other hand, edibles are fully ingested and absorbed via the intestine and stomach. This process takes much longer, which is why the onset of edibles takes more time and why it feels a lot more potent.

Some people might feel like using edibles slows their digestion, and people sensitive to THC might have the contrary effect. It is worth noting that everybody reacts differently, and the possible onset and side effects can vary from person to person. 

Low doses can help with digestion pain and overall fullness in some users, while it can cause diarrhea in others. Instead, avoid using edibles if you are generally sensitive in the digestive area.

 

Final Thoughts 

As with many side effects of cannabinoids, more research is needed to understand the link between diarrhea and hemp. Some users might feel constipated at times; others might even develop diagnoses that include bowel movements or strong vomiting.

So, the bottom line is that each user might react differently. Some people might be a little sensitive, and others might find it useful, but the key thing is to act according to their body’s needs and respond to different products. 

And most importantly, consult their healthcare provider if symptoms should appear or discuss their experience with them before continuing consuming cannabinoids.