Key takeaways
- CBD shows some anti-nausea effect by interacting with serotonin receptors.
- The American Cancer Society recognizes cannabinoids, including CBD, as a potential treatment option for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially when conventional treatments fall short
Emerging research suggests CBD may provide relief for nausea and vomiting. This is because it interacts with serotonin receptors which directly supports nausea.
What does Research say about CBD for nausea?
Nausea can be caused by various factors, and it is often a symptom rather than a specific condition. Some common causes of nausea include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues like Infections and bacterial inflammation.
- Motion Sickness
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Chemotherapy
- Migraines
- Food Poisoning
- Anxiety and Stress
- Digestive Disorders
- Appendicitis
- Certain Medical Conditions: Various medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, inner ear disorders, or gallbladder issues, can lead to nausea.
- Head Injuries
- Hormonal Changes
- Overeating or Indigestion:
How does CBD work for nausea?
Research on CBD for nausea is limited, primarily focusing on individuals with cancer, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. Cancer patients often face nausea and vomiting as side effects of chemotherapy, and CBD has been explored for its potential in providing relief.
A 2011 animal study suggests that CBD may help alleviate nausea by interacting with serotonin receptors, which influence well-being and mood. However, researchers note that THC, another compound in cannabis, might be more effective in reducing nausea than CBD.
In a small 2016 human study, individuals experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea reported relief after using Sativex, a medication containing both CBD and THC. Participants found Sativex more impactful than other antiemetic treatments, although it is not FDA-approved in the U.S. The American Cancer Society recognizes cannabinoids, including CBD, as a potential treatment option for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially when conventional treatments fall short.
Some other ways CBD can help people with nausea are discussed below;
- Interaction with Serotonin Receptors: a study conducted in 2011 shows that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in regulating nausea, and by influencing these receptors, CBD may help modulate the sensation of nausea.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which may be beneficial especially for people dealing with digestive disorders.
- Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: CBD has been studied, often in combination with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), for its potential to alleviate nausea associated with chemotherapy. Some individuals undergoing cancer treatment find relief from nausea and vomiting with the use of CBD-containing medications.
- Motion Sickness: CBD may help manage nausea related to motion sickness, although more research is needed in this specific area.
- Morning Sickness in Pregnancy: Some pregnant individuals have reported relief from morning sickness by using CBD. This was reported in a research paper published in 2023.
What are the best CBD products for nausea?
Full-spectrum products offer a better relief for people with nausea since it contains several cannabinoids including CBD and THC. The combined effect of these cannabinoids helps to keep serotonin levels at modulated levels thereby reducing the chances of vomiting.
Frequently asked questions
What cannabinoids are used for nausea?
A combination of CBD and THC provides a good effect on people showing signs of nausea. This is because the two cannabinoids offer a balanced effect on the body. However, we suggest you check your local regulations to know the allowed THC concentration for each product.
Can CBD make you feel better when sick?
Depending on the sickness involved, pure CBD may possess excellent effects that can help your body fight against diseases. It interacts with the immune system to boost immunity, relieve the harmful effects of free radicals and many more.
Is CBD safe during pregnancy?
The issue of using CBD during pregnancy is still a subject of debate, however, research shows that using CBD can help relieve signs of morning sickness.
Want to Learn More?
- Is CBD Legal In All 50 States?
- How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System? What You Need To Know
- Living, Beyond Organic CBDa Oil Vs. Dead CBD
- Is CBD Safe? What You Should Know About It
- CBD Regulations: Where Do We Stand on Organic Hemp Oil?
Sources
Parker LA, Rock EM, Limebeer CL. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(7):1411-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x. PMID: 21175589; PMCID: PMC3165951.
Swenson K. Cannabis for morning sickness: areas for intervention to decrease cannabis consumption during pregnancy. J Cannabis Res. 2023 Jun 17;5(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s42238-023-00184-x. PMID: 37330589; PMCID: PMC10276456.
Rock EM, Limebeer CL, Pertwee RG, Mechoulam R, Parker LA. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol, Cannabidiolic Acid, and Cannabidiolic Acid Methyl Ester as Treatments for Nausea and Vomiting. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021 Aug;6(4):266-274. doi: 10.1089/can.2021.0041. Epub 2021 Jun 11. PMID: 34115951; PMCID: PMC8380783.
ntony Mersiades, Adrienne Kirby, Martin R. Stockler, Annette Tognela, Ian N. Olver, Rachael L. Morton, Paul Haber, Anna Walsh, Yvonne Lee, Ehtesham A. Abdi, Stephen Della-Fiorentina, Morteza Aghmesheh, Peter Fox, Karen P. Briscoe, Jasotha Sanmugarajah, Gavin M. Marx, Ganessan Kichenadasse, Helen Wheeler, John Simes, and Peter S. Grimison Journal of Clinical Oncology 2023 41:16_suppl, 12019
