Compare the Best CBD for Gastritis in 2022

How CBD May Help With Gastritis

There is currently no conclusive evidence that CBD may help address stomach inflammation or gastritis. However, studies are still ongoing to determine whether CBD’s purported benefits are promising against this disease.

Cannabidiol or CBD may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel conditions by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract⁽¹⁾.

Cannabinoid receptors are an essential part of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is found in the nervous and immune systems and helps keep the balance or homeostasis within the gut and other essential body systems. 

Researchers believe there is a strong link between the ECS and the GI system.

The ECS contains endocannabinoids that help reduce inflammation or mitigate pain signals⁽²⁾. Among the cannabinoid receptors in the body, the CB1 and CB2 receptors are predominant.

The CB1 receptors are present throughout the GI system, particularly in the epithelial lining, muscle cells within the colon wall, and enteric nervous system (ENS)⁽³⁾.

The CB2 receptors are found in epithelial cells (cells lining the body’s surface), immune cells, and myenteric plexus neurons⁽⁴⁾. The myenteric plexus is the main nerve supply of the GI tract.

Some inflammatory bowel conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can inflame your colon’s inner lining. IBS symptoms due to the digestive system’s inflammation include cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation⁽⁵⁾.

CBD is a chemical purported to have health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties⁽⁶⁾. These benefits are potential research areas for helping with gastritis and other digestive tract issues.

Uses and Benefits of CBD for Gastritis

A study published in 2016 mentioned that CBD may help manage colitis by reducing the inflammatory response in the colon⁽⁷⁾.

Colitis is an inflammation affecting the colon’s inner lining. Gastritis, which affects the stomach, has similarities with colitis since both are inflammatory illnesses affecting the GI tract.

Another study showed that CBD may interact with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) receptors. These receptors are found outside the ECS⁽⁸⁾.

PPAR-gamma receptors play a role in regulating fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism. Researchers may consider this interaction an area of study for CBD’s potential benefit against gastrointestinal issues.

What Is the Correct CBD Dosage for Gastritis?

Presently, there are no standard CBD dosage guidelines for gastritis endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, the appropriate CBD dosage for an individual may be influenced by diet, genetics, exercise, stress level, and health conditions⁽⁹⁾.

You may consider an initial dose of 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day if the product you are using contains a high CBD concentration. For CBD products containing THC, you may start taking a low THC dose of 1 to 2.5mg⁽¹⁰⁾.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Gastritis?

There are no extensive studies or clinical trials at present specifically determining CBD onset times for gastritis.

However, one study suggested that CBD products administered orally may take around 30 to 90 minutes to take effect⁽¹¹⁾.

Other routes, such as sublingual application, have onset times of about 15 to 30 minutes⁽¹²⁾. CBD administered through inhalation may take around 2 to 15 minutes⁽¹³⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Gastritis?

Currently, there is insufficient clinical data on the time it takes for CBD to maintain its effects for managing gastritis.

One study published in 2018 showed that CBD oromucosal sprays administered at 5mg to 20mg doses may have a half-life at 1.4 and 10.9 hours⁽¹⁴⁾.

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

In another study, CBD taken by inhalation may remain effective for two to four hours, and CBD edibles and capsules may last for about six to eight hours⁽¹⁵⁾.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Gastritis

One study showed that some of the most commonly reported side effects of CBD include diarrhea and appetite or body weight changes⁽¹⁶⁾. These side effects are some of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal problems⁽¹⁷⁾.

Other side effects of CBD include dry mouth, loss of appetite, fatigue, and drowsiness. However, these side effects are usually well tolerated⁽¹⁸⁾.

In a 2020 study on CBD’s effects on individuals prescribed with CBD oil, the researchers mentioned that some individuals who took CBD experienced sedation and vivid dreams⁽¹⁹⁾.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Gastritis

Consider factors like extraction methods, product types, laboratory tests, and personal preferences in choosing high-quality CBD oil for gastritis.

In extracting CBD oil from the cannabis plant, manufacturers use carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction methods.

Once extracted, the hemp extract containing CBD oil may then be categorized as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD oil usually contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

Terpenes are compounds that provide plants with a distinct aroma. Flavonoids are plant chemicals containing antioxidant properties.

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most compounds and cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD oil except for THC.

Isolates contain pure CBD only. Other cannabinoids and compounds are not included.

Consider broad-spectrum CBD oil or isolates if you prefer CBD products without THC and its psychoactive effects.

CBD manufacturers and brands often provide a certificate of analysis (COA) with their CBD products. COAs are supplied by third-party laboratories and contain the product’s actual CBD content.

Before you buy CBD products, consider CBD brands that post their products’ COAs on their website. You may access the COA to check whether the lab results match the product label’s information.

Various methods to take CBD oil to help manage digestive issues include:

• Oral ingestion: CBD passes through the digestive tract before spreading into the bloodstream.

Some oral CBD products include CBD edibles and capsules. Examples of edibles are gummies, candies, and cookies.

• Sublingual administration: This method bypasses the digestive tract and allows CBD oil to enter directly into the bloodstream.

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

• Rectal suppositories: CBD oil may be delivered through rectal administration using suppositories.

Although there is no consensus regarding suppository effectiveness, some individuals report getting relief⁽²⁰⁾.

• Inhalation route: CBD may be delivered through inhalation using vapes. Inhalation is considered among the quickest methods to administer CBD⁽²¹⁾.

However, caution is advised when using vapes to administer CBD. Vaping is associated with potential health risks that can cause lung disease⁽²²⁾.

• Topical application: CBD products like balms, lotions, or ointments are administered topically to the skin for pain relief.

CBD oil administered through this route has zero bioavailability, meaning it is not absorbed into the bloodstream⁽²³⁾.

The FDA has not endorsed CBD as a gastritis treatment. If you experience chronic pain or difficulty performing body functions due to gastrointestinal issues, schedule an appointment with your doctor before trying CBD.

Check your state’s laws to determine whether CBD or medical cannabis in your area is legal. States like New York, Colorado, California, and Washington, have medical cannabis programs⁽²⁴⁾.

Legality of CBD

CBD products with more than 0.3% THC are illegal under federal law⁽²⁵⁾.

The only FDA-approved CBD-based drug to date is Epidiolex. This drug is used to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy⁽²⁶⁾.

The FDA warns sellers and dispensaries that selling CBD products as food additives is illegal.

States have varying restriction levels on CBD oil and medical marijuana use. Review your local laws to know the legality of CBD usage in your area.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is a stomach lining inflammation. This illness is caused by a weakened mucus-lined barrier protecting the stomach, causing digestive juices to damage the stomach lining.

Older adults taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also experience gastritis.

Acute gastritis happens when the illness occurs suddenly. Chronic gastritis happens over time.

Common symptoms of gastritis include indigestion, vomiting, and nausea.

Gastritis can cause peritonitis and stomach cancer when left untreated.

Peritonitis is a bacterial infection and stomach tissue damage caused by stomach ulcers.

Gastritis treatment includes medications such as⁽²⁷⁾:

• Antibiotics: Medications like clarithromycin (Biaxin) and amoxicillin (Amoxil) can kill bacteria that causes gastrointestinal disorders.
• Antacids: These drugs help neutralize stomach acid and provide pain relief. Side effects of antacids include diarrhea or constipation.

Home remedies, such as eating smaller meals frequently, switching to painkillers less likely to aggravate the stomach, and avoiding spicy foods, may also help relieve gastritis.