Compare the Best CBD Oil for Constipation in 2022

How CBD May Help With Constipation

Cannabidiol or CBD may help address constipation by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract (GI)⁽¹⁾.

Cannabinoid receptors form a part of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps maintain homeostasis or balance within the gut. Some of the predominant cannabinoid receptors are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

The CB1 receptors are primarily present throughout the GI, particularly in the enteric nervous system (ENS), epithelial lining, and muscle cells within the colon wall⁽²⁾.

The CB2 receptors are found mainly in immune cells, epithelial cells (cells lining the surface of the body or organs), and myenteric plexus neurons⁽³⁾. The myenteric plexus is the GI’s primary nerve supply.

Some inflammatory bowel conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause inflammation in the inner lining of your colon. IBS symptoms caused by digestive system inflammation include diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and constipation⁽⁴⁾.

CBD has purported anti-inflammatory and anti-pain benefits⁽⁵⁾. These effects may be a subject of interest among researchers and gastroenterologists to help manage constipation and other digestive tract issues.

Uses and Benefits of CBD for Constipation

A 2016 study suggested that CBD may help suppress colitis by reducing the inflammatory response in the colon⁽⁶⁾.

Colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon’s inner lining. Some forms of ulcerative colitis may involve constipation⁽⁷⁾.

In an animal study using mice, CBD was shown to selectively help reduce hypermotility, or excessive activity, in the gastrointestinal tract⁽⁸⁾. Abnormal GI motility can lead to constipation.

Although the study was conducted on mice, the results may serve as a reference for further studies on CBD’s potential to help with constipation in humans.

Another study showed that CBD may interact with receptors outside the ECS, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma)⁽⁹⁾.

Gastroenterologists and pharmacologists see this interaction as CBD’s potential for developing medication against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The PPAR-gamma receptor helps regulate glucose metabolism and fatty acid storage.

CBD Dosage for Constipation

The CBD dosage appropriate to an individual may be determined by various factors such as exercise, diet, genetics, health conditions, and stress levels⁽¹⁰⁾.

However, there are currently no standard CBD dosage guides endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for constipation. One recommendation is to consider taking CBD starting at lower doses⁽¹¹⁾.

You may consider starting at 10 milligrams (mg) per day for products with high CBD content. If the CBD product has THC content, you may begin with a low THC dose of 1 to 2.5mg⁽¹²⁾.

In another study, researchers stated that humans may tolerate doses of up to 1,500mg of CBD per day⁽¹³⁾.

How to Take CBD Oil for Constipation

Several delivery methods to take CBD oil to help manage constipation and improve GI wellness include:

• Oral administration: CBD administered orally passes through the digestive tract before being carried into the bloodstream.

Some products taken orally include CBD capsules and edibles. Examples of edibles are gummies and candies.

• Sublingual administration: This method delivers CBD oil directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract.

CBD oil tinctures delivered using droppers or oromucosal sprays are standard methods to administer CBD sublingually or under the tongue.

CBD tinctures are typically mixed with a carrier oil like hempseed oil or medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oil to help dilute the CBD concentrate.

• Topical application: CBD topical products such as creams, balms, or ointments are applied to the skin for local pain relief. CBD oil administered through this route is not absorbed into the bloodstream⁽¹⁴⁾.
• Rectal suppositories: CBD oil may be administered using suppositories through the rectal route.

Suppositories may provide relief to some individuals. One study mentioned that cannabinoids may help alleviate colitis or inflammation of the lining in the inner colon⁽¹⁵⁾.

• Inhalation route: CBD may be administered by inhalation through vapes. Among the other administration methods, inhalation may be considered the quickest way to deliver CBD into the body⁽¹⁶⁾.

However, you are recommended to take caution when considering vaping as a delivery method to administer CBD. Vaping has potential health risks associated with lung disease⁽¹⁷⁾.

Individuals with health issues must consult their doctor before trying CBD through vaping.

The FDA has not currently approved CBD as a treatment for constipation. If you are experiencing chronic constipation or have an illness causing your digestive issues, schedule an appointment with your doctor first.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Constipation?

There are no extensive studies or clinical trials to date focused on determining the onset times of CBD when used for constipation.

According to one study, onset times for a CBD oral ingestion route may take around 30 to 90 minutes⁽¹⁸⁾.

CBD administered through transdermal, topical, or sublingual routes may require about 15 to 30 minutes to take effect. Meanwhile, the onset time of CBD through inhalation is 2 to 15 minutes⁽¹⁹⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Constipation?

To date, there is insufficient scientific data on the duration of CBD’s effects on constipation.

In one review published in 2018, the researchers mentioned that CBD oromucosal sprays applied at doses of 5mg to 20mg may have a half-life between 1.4 and 10.9 hours⁽²⁰⁾.

A drug’s half-life is the period it takes for the medication to reduce its concentration or quantity in the body by 50%.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Constipation

Some known side effects of CBD include diarrhea, dry mouth, appetite loss, drowsiness, and fatigue. These side effects are typically well tolerated among humans⁽²¹⁾.

In a 2020 study on the effects of CBD on patients prescribed with CBD oil, the researchers noted that some of the patients experienced adverse effects such as vivid dreams and sedation⁽²²⁾.

Another study showed that the side effects of CBD most commonly reported include changes to appetite or body weight, tiredness, and diarrhea⁽²³⁾.

Precautions When Taking CBD for Constipation

CBD products should not be used as medication or treatment for any illness or disease.

Epidiolex is currently the only FDA-approved CBD product used as a prescription medication for treating epilepsy⁽²⁴⁾.

Another essential piece of advice is to review the CBD product’s label for a grapefruit warning. A grapefruit warning means CBD may interact with other drugs, preventing them from metabolizing and getting absorbed by the human body.

The grapefruit warning is so-named due to the effects of grapefruit juice on select medications. Grapefruit juice interferes with the CYP3A4 enzymes needed to metabolize drugs⁽²⁵⁾.

When drugs remain unmetabolized, they stay longer in the body, possibly causing adverse side effects.

Before purchasing CBD products for anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving purposes, consult your physician about your current medical condition, such as Crohn’s disease or other digestive tract concerns associated with constipation.

Choosing the Right CBD Oil for Constipation

To determine the best CBD oil to help with constipation, you need to consider several factors like extraction methods, the types of CBD products, and other personal preferences.

Cannabis oil is typically extracted from the cannabis plant using ethanol, carbon dioxide (CO2), or hydrocarbon extraction methods.

Ethanol extraction utilizes ethanol as a solvent to help extract CBD from the hemp plant. This method has been a common practice for extracting medical compounds for centuries⁽²⁶⁾.

CO2 extraction uses highly-pressurized and liquefied carbon dioxide to extract CBD. This method is considered the safest way to extract CBD and other compounds from the cannabis plant⁽²⁷⁾.

Hydrocarbon extraction utilizes hydrocarbon solvents like butane or propane in extracting CBD. This method is still considered safe as long as proper safety procedures are followed.

However, hydrocarbons are flammable and neurotoxic. If not wholly removed from the CBD oil extract, they may cause harmful effects to your health.

Once the hemp extract containing CBD oil is brought out from the cannabis biomass, it may then be classified as broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolate.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains most of the compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant except for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Full-spectrum CBD oil has similar content as broad-spectrum CBD products. However, it also contains THC and other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

Flavonoids are plant compounds with antioxidant properties, while terpenes give plants an aromatic effect.

Combining these compounds gives full-spectrum CBD oil an “entourage effect.” This characteristic enhances the effects of cannabinoids and other compounds to become more significant than the sum of the benefits of the individual parts⁽²⁸⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD isolates contain pure CBD only. It does not include other compounds or cannabinoids.

Consider CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD oil if you prefer to use CBD products without the risk of experiencing THC’s psychoactive effects.

When choosing a high-quality CBD product, most consumers prefer those that are non-GMO, gluten-free, or made from organic hemp plants.

Reputable CBD companies and manufacturers usually provide a certificate of analysis (COA) along with their CBD products. COAs, which show the product’s actual CBD content, are supplied by third-party labs.

Third-party lab tests also determine if the product contains harmful contaminants, like heavy metals, pesticides, or solvents, that may pose a health risk to consumers.

If you are looking for quality CBD products, consider CBD brands that provide transparency by posting their products’ COAs on their website. You may view and access the COA to ensure that the lab results match the product label’s information.

Additionally, you should check your state’s laws regarding the legality of CBD or medical cannabis in your area before purchasing CBD products. Some states, such as California, Colorado, New York, and Washington, have medical cannabis programs⁽²⁹⁾.

Legality of CBD

The Farm Bill enacted in 2018 removed hemp-based CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substances list. The law also legalized industrial hemp cultivation.

CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are still prohibited under federal law⁽³⁰⁾.

The FDA warns consumers that CBD products marketed as food additives or dietary supplements are also illegal.

Using CBD oil and medical marijuana legally may vary among states. Review your state’s laws and compare your CBD product’s THC content to know if CBD usage is legal in your area.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is characterized by less frequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stool. Other symptoms of constipation include cramps or stomach pain, nausea or bloating, and dry, lumpy stools.

Some self-care remedies to help with constipation include⁽³¹⁾:

• Drinking two to four glasses of water a day
• Adding whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods to your diet
• Getting exercise
• Squatting, raising your feet, or leaning back to make bowel movements easier

Your doctor may also prescribe taking laxatives or over-the-counter stool softeners to help relieve constipation.

Caution is advised when using laxatives as its overuse may worsen the symptoms of constipation. If you require using laxatives for more than two weeks, seek advice from your doctor.

Other treatments for constipation include prescription medication such as lubiprostone (Amitiza), lactulose (Cephulac, Kristalose), and linaclotide (Linzess)⁽³²⁾.

For constipation caused by structural colon problems, such as colon blockage, intestinal structure (narrowing), or anal fissures, your doctor may recommend surgery.

The doctor may also recommend surgical treatment for cancer in the anus, rectum, or colon if these diseases cause constipation or other complications.