Compare the Best CBD Oil for Stomach Ulcers in 2022

How CBD May Help With Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are a kind of peptic ulcer disease characterized as open sores that emerge on the stomach’s inner lining or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum)⁽¹⁾.

One of the major symptoms of stomach ulcers is burning pain, usually in the upper abdomen or stomach, often mistaken as heartburn. This stomach pain may last for a short time or be felt for a few hours⁽²⁾.

Studies have discussed that CBD (cannabidiol) may contain pain-relieving properties that may help with chronic pain⁽³⁾. 

Cannabidiol, more generally known for its name CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant⁽⁴⁾. 

This compound may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽⁵⁾.

The ECS balances different bodily functions, such as gastrointestinal function in the digestive system⁽⁶⁾.

The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) located in the immune and nervous systems. 

CB1 receptors play an important role in pain regulation, whereas CB2 stimulates your body’s anti-inflammatory response⁽⁷⁾.

These two receptors may produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when they interact with CBD⁽⁸⁾.

Stomach ulcers may also induce nausea and vomiting, weight loss, heartburn, and appetite loss⁽⁹⁾.

Cannabidiol may interact with 5-HT1A receptors, also called serotonin receptors⁽¹⁰⁾.

Serotonin is a chemical hormone that may affect nausea and vomiting⁽¹¹⁾.

The purported properties of CBD may offer ease and comfort to individuals suffering from stomach ulcers. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Stomach Ulcers

Scientific evidence and studies suggest that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) may contain therapeutic properties that may help with gastrointestinal issues, like stomach ulcers. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a compound with psychoactive properties, is found in the cannabis plant⁽¹²⁾.

Research in 2016 indicated that the cannabinoids’ stimulation of the CB1 receptor may hinder gastric acid secretion in both human and animal models⁽¹³⁾.

A different study published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology showed that the direct activation of CB1 receptors by plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD and THC may reduce gastric motor activity and gastric acid secretion and lessen the formation of lesions in the lining of the stomach⁽¹⁴⁾.

Stomach ulcers are described as sores in the stomach lining or small intestines⁽¹⁵⁾. 

A published study from the British Journal of Pharmacology noted that CBD may contain properties that may reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy⁽¹⁶⁾.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with stomach ulcers⁽¹⁷⁾.

Gastric ulcers may be caused by the H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria infecting the stomach⁽¹⁸⁾. 

This bacteria may stick to the digestive tract’s mucosal lining and cause irritation and inflammation, leading to the protective lining breaking down⁽¹⁹⁾. 

The stomach has strong acids for digesting food. Without the protective mucus layer, the acid may damage stomach tissue, leading to ulcers⁽²⁰⁾. 

Research has noted that CBD may contain anti-inflammatory properties⁽²¹⁾.

Individuals who frequently take pain relievers, also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, are more prone to developing gastric or duodenal ulcers, especially if the drugs were taken in high doses⁽²²⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD may possess analgesic properties that may alleviate different types of chronic pain⁽²³⁾. The compound is also safe and well tolerated by humans⁽²⁴⁾.

There is no definitive evidence that CBD oil may heal stomach ulcers. However, the compound’s purported medicinal benefits may help with managing symptoms of stomach ulcers. 

How to Use CBD Oil for Stomach Ulcers

There are various ways to take CBD for stomach ulcers. The most common CBD administration methods are⁽²⁵⁾:

• Ingestion
• Sublingual (under the tongue)
• Inhalation 
• Topical absorption

Ingesting CBD is one potential option for people suffering from stomach ulcers. The compound is delivered directly to the gastrointestinal tract before the compound is absorbed by the liver⁽²⁶⁾. 

CBD edibles are available in gummies and capsules. 

You may also take CBD oil through sublingual administration using tinctures or oromucosal sprays. Individuals may apply a few CBD oil drops under the tongue and then swallow after two minutes. 

This holding period allows the mouth’s mucous membranes to absorb the CBD oil tincture. 

Inhaling or vaping CBD through vape pens offers the quickest way for individuals to feel the effects of the compound due to its direct passage into the bloodstream⁽²⁷⁾.  

However, vaping or smoking may lead to lung injury or severe pulmonary diseases, so caution is advised⁽²⁸⁾.

Lastly, CBD topical products, such as creams, lotions, balms, and salves, are used for localized pain relief⁽²⁹⁾. 

You may massage CBD topicals on your abdomen to help alleviate abdominal pains caused by stomach ulcers. 

Talk to your doctor first so they may recommend the best CBD oil product to help manage your digestive problems.

CBD Dosage for Stomach Ulcers

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not authorized the use of CBD as a potential medical treatment for stomach ulcers. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for the medical condition. 

However, several factors may influence CBD dosages, like the individual’s diet, exercise, stress levels, genetics, and health conditions⁽³⁰⁾.

In addition, if you are considering trying CBD, you may start with a lower dosage⁽³¹⁾.

Clinical research suggests that 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day when using CBD products is a good starting point. If the product has THC, you should consider taking a lower initial dose of 1 to 2.5mg⁽³²⁾.

One study also indicated that humans may tolerate up to 1,500 mg of CBD each day⁽³³⁾.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Stomach Ulcers?

There are no clinical trials or comprehensive studies which specifically determine CBD’s onset time for gastritis or gastric ulcers.

However, one study hypothesized that orally administered CBD products may need around 30 minutes to an hour to take effect⁽³⁴⁾.

Sublingual administration has an onset time of about 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁵⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD taken through vaping or inhalation may require around 2 to 15 minutes⁽³⁶⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Stomach Ulcers?

There are insufficient studies on the time it takes for CBD to maintain its effects for managing symptoms of stomach ulcers.

 A study in 2018 indicated that 5mg to 20mg doses of CBD oromucosal sprays may have a half-life of 1.4 and 10.9 hours⁽³⁷⁾.

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

Another study noted that CBD taken through inhalation may remain effective for two to four hours, while CBD edibles’ effects may last for approximately six to eight hours⁽³⁸⁾.

Can CBD Worsen Stomach Ulcers?

There is no official research regarding the safety of CBD oil for gastric ulcers or if the compound may worsen or cause stomach ulcers. 

However, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is well tolerated by humans and has a good safety profile⁽³⁹⁾. 

Still, it is vital to consult your physician or a medical professional before taking CBD products for your medical condition. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Stomach Ulcers

CBD is safe and well tolerated by people, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

However, users may experience mild side effects of CBD, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, and reduced appetite⁽⁴¹⁾. 

CBD products may also have a grapefruit warning, which indicates that CBD may interfere with the effects of prescription medications for specific medical issues, such as stomach ulcers⁽⁴²⁾. 

This interference may prevent drugs from getting absorbed by the system⁽⁴³⁾.

Medications that commonly have a grapefruit warning are⁽⁴⁴):

• antibiotics
• blood pressure medications
• blood thinners
• cholesterol medications
• immunosuppressants
• pain medications

The severity of the interactions between the medication and grapefruit may differ depending on the amount of grapefruit consumed, the drug’s composition, and the individual’s medical condition⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Legality of CBD

In recent years, under the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the U.S. (United States)⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

Additionally, the law authorizes the growth, cultivation, and production of hemp plants. 

Still, it is essential to note that despite CBD’s availability, the legality of medical marijuana may differ depending on the state⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Some states also impose laws that restrict CBD products’ THC levels⁽⁴⁸⁾.  

It is vital to review your state laws regarding the use of medical marijuana in order to avoid possible legal repercussions. 

Alternative Treatment for Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers may potentially heal on their own. However, it is best to treat the issue immediately. Otherwise, ulcers may lead to more severe health issues⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Some alternative treatments for stomach ulcers include⁽⁵⁰⁾: 

Lifestyle Changes

• Lose weight 
• Avoid trigger foods, such as coffee, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods 
• Eat smaller meals or eat within 3 to 4 hours before going to bed
• Quit smoking
• Reduce alcohol intake

Medication

Practices involving medications for stomach ulcers may include taking drugs to eliminate the presence of the H. pylori bacterium and limiting or reducing the intake of NSAIDs or medicines that may decrease acid production⁽⁵¹⁾. 

These drugs are the following⁽⁵²⁾:

• Antibiotic medications to eliminate H. pylori. Your physician may prescribe antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria H. pylori found in your digestive tract. These antibiotics include amoxicillin (Amoxil), metronidazole (Flagyl), tetracycline, and levofloxacin. 

You may be required to take these medicines for two weeks in addition to taking drugs to reduce stomach acids, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

• Medications that promote healing and block the production of acid. Drugs that decrease stomach acid by blocking the parts of the cells which produce said acids are called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

These medications may come in prescription and over-the-counter forms such as omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix).

However, taking these drugs for an extended period, especially in high doses, may increase the risk of wrist, hip, or spine fractures. Talk to your physician about using calcium supplements that may lessen this risk. 

• Medications that lessen the production of acid. Histamine (H-2) blockers, also called acid blockers, reduce the production of stomach acid in your digestive tract. Such an action helps relieve pain from the ulcer and promotes healing. 

Some prescription and over-the-counter acid blockers are cimetidine (Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid AR), and famotidine (Pepcid AC).

• Drugs that neutralize stomach acid or antacids. Your medical provider may recommend you an antacid that counteracts the existing stomach acid and give instant pain relief. 

However, antacids may cause diarrhea or constipation and are only used for temporary symptom relief, not healing.