Compare the Best CBD Oil for Ulcerative Colitis in 2022

How CBD May Help With Ulcerative Colitis

Cannabidiol or CBD may help manage inflammatory diseases in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors within the endocannabinoid system( ECS)⁽¹⁾.

Several studies mentioned a strong association between the ECS and GI tract⁽²⁾. The ECS helps maintain homeostasis or balance within the gut and other essential systems in the body.

A study published in Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology mentioned that the ECS significantly affects the intestinal barrier, motility, gastrointestinal immune system, and brain regions influencing gut homeostasis⁽³⁾.

GI motility is the movement of food from your mouth through the throat (pharynx), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and out of your body⁽⁴⁾.

Two predominant cannabinoid receptors within the ECS are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

The CB1 receptors are located within the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the epithelial tissues, muscle cells along the colon wall, and enteric nervous system (ENS)⁽⁵⁾.

The CB2 receptors are found mainly in immune cells, myenteric plexus neurons, and epithelial cells (cells on the organ’s surface)⁽⁶⁾. The myenteric plexus is the main nerve supply of the GI tract.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause intestinal inflammation and ulcers or sores. IBD symptoms due to inflammation in the digestive system include diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and cramping⁽⁷⁾.

CBD has purported anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁸⁾. Researchers may consider these properties a field of interest for CBD as a potential remedy for ulcerative colitis flare-ups and other digestive tract issues.

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Ulcerative Colitis

One study mentioned that CBD may help prevent colitis by reducing the colon’s inflammatory response⁽⁹⁾.

Results of a 2021 study suggested that cannabis products, particularly those containing CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may benefit patients with ulcerative colitis⁽¹⁰⁾.

However, the study involved a limited number of patients, and there may be a need to conduct additional clinical trials for more conclusive results.

An animal study showed that administering CBD before inflammation occurs may prevent inflammation from happening⁽¹¹⁾. The same study mentioned that taking CBD after inflammation sets in may help reduce inflammation.

Another study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, determined the effects of CBD and THC on rats with colitis⁽¹²⁾. Results showed that combining CBD and THC may help reduce inflammation in the subjects.

Although the study was conducted on animals, results may provide a helpful reference for future human studies on CBD’s potential to help manage ulcerative colitis.

Another study showed that CBD may interact with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) receptors located outside the ECS⁽¹³⁾.

The PPAR-gamma receptor is found in the colon and adipose tissues (body fat) and helps regulate glucose metabolism and fatty acid storage.

Researchers may find interest in the interaction between CBD and the PPAR-gamma receptors to determine CBD’s potential as a remedy for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

CBD Dosage for Ulcerative Colitis

Several factors like diet, exercise, health conditions, genetics, and stress levels may influence CBD dosage for each individual⁽¹⁴⁾.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at present, has not provided any CBD dosage guides for ulcerative colitis. However, if you are contemplating trying CBD, you may begin taking CBD with a lower dosage⁽¹⁵⁾.

Research suggests starting at 10 milligrams (mg) per day for CBD products of high CBD content. If the product contains THC, consider taking a low initial THC dose of 1 to 2.5mg⁽¹⁶⁾.

Researchers in one study mentioned that humans may tolerate a high daily dose of up to 1,500 mg of CBD⁽¹⁷⁾.

How to Take CBD Oil for Ulcerative Colitis

There are several ways or delivery methods to take CBD to help manage ulcerative colitis.

• Oral administration: This method delivers CBD through oral ingestion and carries it through the digestive tract before it spreads into the bloodstream.

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

• Sublingual administration: CBD oil is applied sublingually or under the tongue, allowing the drug to enter the bloodstream directly and bypass the digestive tract.

CBD oil tinctures are a sublingually-applied product typically delivered using droppers or oromucosal sprays.

• Topical application: CBD oil administered topically is applied to the skin for local pain relief and does not get absorbed into the bloodstream⁽¹⁸⁾.

Topical products include CBD creams, lotions, ointments, or salves.

• Rectal suppositories: CBD oil may be administered by rectal delivery using suppositories.

Research shows rectally-administered cannabinoids may help manage colitis or inflammation in the inner colon⁽¹⁹⁾.

• Inhalation: This method administers CBD by smoking or using vapes. Inhalation has a shorter onset time for delivering CBD into the body than other delivery methods⁽²⁰⁾.

However, vaping has potential health risks associated with lung disease⁽²¹⁾. Exercise caution when considering vaping or smoking to administer CBD.

Individuals with health issues must seek medical advice from their doctor before trying CBD through vaping.

The FDA does not currently support the use of CBD as a treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases. If you experience symptoms of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other digestive issues, consult your doctor or gastroenterology expert first.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Ulcerative Colitis?

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

A study showed that CBD ingested orally may take around 30 to 90 minutes to take effect⁽²²⁾.

For transdermal, topical, or sublingual routes, CBD onset times may take up to 15 to 30 minutes. For inhalation-based products, the onset time is about 2 to 15 minutes⁽²³⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Ulcerative Colitis?

To date, there is not enough conclusive scientific data regarding the duration of CBD’s effects on ulcerative colitis.

Researchers of a 2018 review mentioned that CBD administered using oromucosal sprays at 5mg to 20mg doses may have a half-life between 1.4 and 10.9 hours, respectively⁽²⁴⁾.

Half-life is the time required for a medication to decrease its concentration or quantity in the body by 50%.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Ulcerative Colitis

CBD may cause dry mouth, appetite loss, diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue. Humans often have a reasonable tolerance to these side effects⁽²⁵⁾.

One study stated that the side effects of CBD typically reported are tiredness, diarrhea, and changes to appetite or body weight⁽²⁶⁾.

In a 2020 study on patients with CBD oil prescriptions, the researchers stated that some patients experienced sedation and vivid dreams⁽²⁷⁾.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Ulcerative Colitis

To choose the best CBD oil that may help with ulcerative colitis and improve your quality of life, you should consider several factors like extraction methods, CBD product types, lab test results, and other individual preferences.

Cannabis oil usually comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and is extracted using hydrocarbon, ethanol, or carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction methods.

The hydrocarbon method uses hydrocarbon-based solvents like propane or butane for CBD extraction. 

Despite hydrocarbons being flammable and neurotoxic, this method is considered safe provided safety procedures are correctly followed.

However, if the solvents are not wholly removed from the extracted CBD oil, they may be ingested accidentally and become a health hazard.

In ethanol extraction, ethanol is utilized as a solvent for extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. This method is a centuries-old practice to extract medicinal compounds from cannabis plants⁽²⁸⁾.

CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide that is highly pressurized and liquefied for CBD extraction. Many CBD suppliers consider this method the safest way to extract CBD and other compounds from cannabis⁽²⁹⁾.

After extracting CBD oil, manufacturers categorize it as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all beneficial components and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, including THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Terpenes are compounds that provide plants a distinct aroma, while flavonoids are plant chemicals with antioxidant benefits.

When combined, these compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil create an “entourage effect.” When this phenomenon occurs, the active cannabis compounds work together synergistically, enhancing their total benefits to become more significant than the sum of its parts⁽³⁰⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains most cannabinoids and other components in full-spectrum CBD extracts except for THC.

On the other hand, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD only. Isolates do not include THC or any other compounds or cannabinoids.

If you prefer CBD products that do not have THC or its psychoactive effects, consider CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD oil as viable alternatives.

Reputable manufacturers and CBD companies usually include a certificate of analysis (COA) with their CBD products. COAs are provided by third-party labs and contain details of a product’s actual CBD content.

Third-party lab analysis also determines whether the product contains harmful contaminants, like heavy metals, pesticides, or solvents, that may pose health risks to consumers.

When looking for a high-quality CBD product, consider purchasing from CBD brands that post their products’ updated COAs on their website. You may compare the COA results to the product label’s information to ensure they are the same.

Depending on individual preferences, some consumers may choose CBD products that are gluten-free, non-GMO, or made from organic hemp.

Additionally, informed buyers review the laws in their state regarding the legality of CBD or medical cannabis before purchasing CBD products. 

Some U.S. states, such as California, Colorado, New York, and Washington, have medical cannabis programs⁽³¹⁾.

Legality of CBD

CBD products with THC exceeding 0.3% are considered illegal under federal law⁽³²⁾.

The FDA cautions consumers that CBD products labeled as dietary supplements or marketed as food additives are illegal⁽³³⁾.

The enactment of the Farm Bill in 2018 legalized industrial hemp cultivation in the United States. The law also removed hemp-based CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of controlled substances.

To date, Epidiolex is the only CBD product approved by the FDA for use as a prescription medication to treat epilepsy⁽³⁴⁾.

The legality of using CBD oil and medical marijuana may vary among states. Review your state’s laws and compare your CBD product’s THC content to know whether CBD usage is legal in your area.

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is one of two inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the other being Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the digestive tract that usually affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum.

Ulcerative colitis develops over time and may cause debilitating or life-threatening complications. Some of its symptoms include⁽³⁵⁾:

• Diarrhea
• Rectal pain or bleeding
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Urgency or inability to defecate
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Some of these signs, such as diarrhea, fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain, are also Crohn’s disease symptoms.

Stress can also worsen the symptoms or trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups⁽³⁶⁾.

Types of ulcerative colitis are classified by their location, such as⁽³⁷⁾:

• Ulcerative proctitis: occurs close to the rectum
• Proctosigmoiditis: affects the sigmoid (lower end of the colon) and rectum
• Left-sided colitis: extends from the rectum to the sigmoid and descending colon
• Pancolitis: affects the entire colon

At present, ulcerative colitis has no cure⁽³⁸⁾. However, doctors and healthcare professionals may recommend medication or therapy to help manage its symptoms and bring about significant improvement.

Some medications for the treatment of ulcerative colitis include⁽³⁹⁾:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immunosuppressants
• Pain relievers
• Anti-diarrheal medications

Alternative treatment options include home remedies and lifestyle changes such as exercising, relaxing, eating small meals, and drinking plenty of liquids. These options may help control ulcerative colitis symptoms⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Turmeric is another alternative remedy for ulcerative colitis. One study suggested that curcumin, a plant-based compound in turmeric, may be a safe and promising substance to help with ulcerative colitis⁽⁴¹⁾.