Does Weed Help With Nausea?

Weed has a long list of ailments it promises to alleviate. Between headaches, the pain from sickle cell, and menstrual cramps, people are turning to weed for relief. But what about nausea? Nausea is a symptom of several conditions such as anxiety, stomach flu, motion sickness and so much more. You may be wondering, does weed help with nausea? Here’s what we know. 

Photo: Unsplash

Does Smoking Weed Help With Nausea?

Yes! There are studies that show that weed may be able to alleviate nausea. For example, there is a study that examined self-administration sessions published in 2022 that took place between June 6, 2016, and July 8, 2019, which examined nausea and weed use. 

According to this study, 96.4% of participants experienced symptom relief within an hour after using weed. The study also found there was a difference between the strains of cannabis. The study said, “Cannabis indica underperformed those labeled as Cannabis sativa or hybrid.”

To provide context, Indica is a cannabis plant that’s short and stocky. It’s also usually recommended for nighttime because it is used as a sleep aid, appetite simulator as well as a promoter of relaxation. Sativa on the other hand is skinny and light green. It’s primarily used to boost energy and creativity. Hybrid is just a combination of Indica and Sativa. Hybrid weed can cause both relaxing and uplifting effects. 

In terms of the cannabinoid concentration, weed that has higher THC and lower CBD provides the best results. The study says that combination was generally associated with greater symptom relief such as relief within 5 minutes. Coauthor of the study, Jacob Vigil told The University of New Mexico, “THC, typically associated with recreational use, seemed to improve treatment among consumers of Cannabis flower, while our CBD, more commonly associated with medical use, actually seemed to be associated with less symptom relief.”

How Does Smoking Weed Help With Nausea

You may be wondering what the science is behind all of this. Well, Vigil told the University of New Mexico the exact mechanism. However, Vigil believes that weed works because of the “plant’s ability to activate CB1 receptor responses to other stimuli in the central nervous system such as the insular cortex”. 

As Vigil puts it, the insular cortex, “is involved in interoception, conscious awareness of internal bodily states, and an example of a brain region that is naturally modulated in part by endocannabinoids that naturally develop in the human body.” Therefore, the phytocannabinoids, meaning the ones from the plant, stimulate similar regions in the brain and therefore reduce nausea. 

Can Edibles Help With Nausea?

Yes, however, it may not be the most effective way. The University of New Mexico says, “Flower and concentrates yielded faster and greater relief than edibles or tinctures while vaping yielded less relief than consuming cannabis via a joint or pipe.” Therefore, a blunt or dab is likely to give you quicker and better relief. 

Does CBD Help With Nausea?

According to a 2011 animal study, CBD does play a hand in reducing nausea. The study says, “The primary non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), also suppresses nausea and vomiting within a limited dose range.” CBD alleviates nausea and vomiting by interacting with serotonin receptors. 

The effects of the CBD, according to the study, are mediated by indirect activation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. When these receptors are activated, it reduces the release of 5-HT in terminal forebrain regions. Therefore, nausea is suppressed. 

However, the study published in 2022, which we already referenced does show that THC is the more effective cannabinoid. 

If you want to use CBD for your nausea, you can opt for CBD capsules and oil. If you don’t want to purchase CBD oil, you can actually make it at home. 

Can Smoking Weed Help With Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that accompanies pregnancy. Contrary to the name, morning sickness can happen any time of day. 

If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you may be wondering if you can use weed to alleviate it. Unfortunately, weed use is not recommended during pregnancy. 

However, according to Mayo Clinic, you can alleviate morning sickness by:

• Eat snacks such as soda crackers throughout the day. The idea is that you snack instead of eating three large meals which can trigger nausea.
• Keeping hydrated with noncaffeinated liquids. Mayo Clinic recommends 6-8 cups per day. 
• Take a walk outside. Fresh air can help. 
• Change up your diet. Mayo Clinic suggests eating foods high in protein. However, avoid fatty foods and spicy foods. 

Conclusion

Does weed help with nausea? It can! Studies show that weed can help with nausea. Of course, everybody is different so it may not be effective for everyone. In addition to that, nausea is a symptom and so you have to just treat the reason behind nausea for long-term relief.