Compare the Best CBD Oil for GERD in 2022

How CBD May Help With GERD

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic type of acid reflux⁽¹⁾. It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach.

The most common symptoms of GERD include food regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, hoarseness, and vomiting.

Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant with potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects⁽²⁾. 

CBD, found mostly in hemp plants, is non-psychoactive. On the other hand, the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis (sometimes called marijuana) is THC. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for the euphoric effect that users experience⁽³⁾. 

There is insufficient direct research on CBD’s efficacy for GERD. However, the purported therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol and its activity on the endocannabinoid system may explain how CBD may help with GERD.  

A study from the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research journal examined the role of cannabinoids like CBD and THC on esophageal function⁽⁴⁾.

The ECS (endocannabinoid system) consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors), enzymes, and endogenous ligands, which are naturally occurring small molecules⁽⁵⁾. 

The major endogenous ligands, AEA (anandamide) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) exert effects on the cannabinoid receptors and maintain gastrointestinal homeostasis⁽⁶⁾. 

GI homeostasis refers to the dynamic balance between the host, gastrointestinal tract, nutrition, and energy metabolism⁽⁷⁾. 

Like endogenous ligands, plant-based cannabinoids like CBD and THC may also be involved in the direct activation of cannabinoid receptors⁽⁸⁾.  

CB1 receptors play a vital part in pain sensation, while CB2 receptors stimulate a response that fights inflammation⁽⁹⁾. 

The presence of cannabinoid receptors in the esophagus, specifically those affecting TLESRs (transient lower esophageal sphincter), offers a potential therapeutic target for treating GERD⁽¹⁰⁾. 

TLESRs are the principal mechanism seen in GERD⁽¹¹⁾. TLESRs occur after gastric stimuli relieve counteracting gastric pressure on the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

LES is a ring-shaped muscle at the opening of the lower esophagus.   

The primary activity of the esophagus is to carry food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach⁽¹²⁾. 

If LES weakens or relaxes abnormally, gastric acid can flow back up into the esophagus. The continual backwash of acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing it to become inflamed⁽¹³⁾. 

An animal study from the Gastroenterology journal suggested that the administration of CB1 agonists may reduce the rate of TLESRs without altering esophageal peristalsis⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Esophageal peristalsis is a sequential muscle contraction that moves food through the digestive tract. 

Cannabidiol has little binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, CBD may antagonize them in the presence of THC⁽¹⁵⁾.

Cannabidiol behaves as a non-competitive negative allosteric modulator of CB1 receptors by decreasing the agonist affinity and efficacy⁽¹⁶⁾. THC may act as a partial agonist at cannabinoid receptors. 

Additionally, it is believed that cannabinoid receptor agonists may inhibit gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility in humans⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Gastrointestinal motility is the movement of food from the mouth through the throat (pharynx), esophagus, stomach, intestines, and out of the body⁽¹⁸⁾. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion. 

Evidence suggests that CBD may offset the psychiatric side effect of THC⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Scientists from the University of Western Ontario hypothesized that CBD may block the ability of THC to overstimulate the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) pathway in the hippocampus to prevent THC’s adverse side effects⁽²⁰⁾.  

  ERK plays a significant role in numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, adhesion, and survival⁽²¹⁾.  

Benefits of Using CBD for GERD

Heartburn is an acid reflux symptom⁽²²⁾. It is a painful burning sensation in the middle of the chest triggered by irritation to the lining of the esophagus.

An individual with GERD may experience persistent heartburn that occurs two or more times a week⁽²³⁾. About 20% of the U.S. population has GERD⁽²⁴⁾. 

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, individuals with asthma are at higher risk of developing GERD⁽²⁵⁾. 

Asthma flare-ups may cause the LES to relax, allowing stomach content to reflux into the esophagus⁽²⁶⁾. 

A 2019 research study from the European Journal of Pharmacology indicated that CBD may decrease airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma⁽²⁷⁾. 

Fibrosis refers to scarring or thickening of the tissue. 

A 2021 animal study from the Journal of Dental Research examined how cannabidiol may promote oral ulcer healing⁽²⁸⁾. 

The researchers hypothesized that CBD oral spray on acid or trauma-induced oral ulcers on mice tongues may inhibit inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate lesion closure⁽²⁹⁾. 

The reflux of gastric acids and stomach content into the esophagus that occurs with GERD can erode the esophagus lining and cause ulcers⁽³⁰⁾. 

People with GERD may experience difficulty swallowing or dysphagia⁽³¹⁾. Dysphagia can be very painful. If it becomes persistent, it can signify a severe medical condition that requires treatment⁽³²⁾. 

Researchers from Tel Aviv University believe that cannabis may stimulate brain regions associated with swallowing reflexes⁽³³⁾. Cannabis refers to all products that come from the plant Cannabis sativa⁽³⁴⁾. 

In some cases, GERD patients experience disrupted sleep⁽³⁵⁾. 

A 2019 retrospective case series published in The Permanente Journal reported that 48 out of 72 adult participants had an improved sleep score after CBD treatment within the first month of the study⁽³⁶⁾.

Esophageal mucosal damage in GERD patients may lead to progressive deterioration of esophageal function and worsen esophageal acid exposure⁽³⁷⁾. 

A study from the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition mentioned that the development of new therapy with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is expected to assist in treating GERD⁽³⁸⁾. 

CBD is known to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects⁽³⁹⁾. These properties may be useful to individuals with GERD.

Meanwhile, a study from the World Journal of Gastroenterology indicated that mental health issues like anxiety and depression may reduce the quality of life of GERD patients⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Evidence suggests that CBD may exhibit an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect in animal models⁽⁴¹⁾. These findings suggest CBD may help with GERD. 

While these studies may be promising, they are still inconclusive. In addition, most of the experiments were conducted on animal models.

Still, the results may be useful in future research involving human subjects. For this reason, direct research examining the benefits of CBD for GERD is warranted. 

How to Take CBD Oil for GERD

There are many ways you can try to take CBD oil for GERD. The different routes of administration by which CBD is brought into the body include:

• Inhalation
• Sublingual (under the tongue) absorption
• Topical absorption
• Transdermal (active ingredient delivered across the skin) 

CBD products are available in edibles like gummies, tinctures, vapes, and topicals. 

A 2021 study from the Journal of Cannabis Research reported that 54% of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems, stated that they use less than 50mg of CBD daily⁽⁴²⁾. About 72.6% of CBD users said they take CBD sublingually 

Evidence suggests that anxiety and depression may be higher in GERD patients, especially those who experience chest pain⁽⁴³⁾. 

Hence, GERD patients experiencing mental health issues who want to try CBD may find the sublingual method particularly helpful. 

The sublingual route relies on the mucous membrane under the tongue to absorb CBD⁽⁴⁴⁾. Capillaries in the connective tissue diffuse the compound, which enters the bloodstream.   

The sublingual method is also a fast-acting solution, with a 15 to 30-minute onset and a four– to six-hour duration⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

CBD Dosage for GERD

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize CBD as a medical treatment for GERD. Hence, there is no standard CBD dosage for the condition. 

However, doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD per day may be effective for pain, inflammation, depression, and anxiety⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

Still, it is best to talk with a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use if you are considering CBD oil for acid reflux and GERD. These experts can help you with dosing and advise you on possible side effects. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help GERD?

How long CBD takes to help with GERD depends on factors like body weight, the method of administration, and CBD potency. 

Taking CBD using vape pens is the quickest way to benefit from the effect of cannabidiol⁽⁴⁷⁾. However, vaping may damage your lungs⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

In addition, if you have asthma and want to try CBD for GERD, it is recommended that you take another route of administration.

 Acid reflux can worsen asthma symptoms because it can irritate the airways and lungs⁽⁴⁹⁾. This irritation can also cause allergic reactions, making the airways more sensitive to cold air or smoke. 

Meanwhile, taking CBD sublingually ensures prompt compound delivery into one’s system⁽⁵⁰⁾. You may feel the effect of CBD within 15 to 30 minutes⁽⁵¹⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With GERD?

Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destination⁽⁵²⁾.  

The bioavailability of cannabidiol varies by route of administration. 

For instance, the bioavailability of sublingual CBD is between 13% and 19%⁽⁵³⁾. Meanwhile, inhaled routes have the highest bioavailability, from 17 to 44%^(54-55). 

Oral routes have the lowest bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism⁽⁵⁶⁾. 

First-pass metabolism is a metabolic process by which active compounds enter the gastrointestinal system and are metabolized by the liver before becoming available in the bloodstream⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

The bioavailability of CBD via the ingestion route is between 6% and 15%⁽⁵⁸⁾. 

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil Product for GERD

Choosing the best CBD oil product for GERD depends on several factors, like the severity of the medical condition and personal preferences. 

Listed below are factors to consider when choosing the right CBD oil product for GERD: 

CBD Extracts 

CBD extracts can be categorized as⁽⁵⁹⁾.

• Full-spectrum CBD
• Broad-spectrum CBD
• CBD isolates  

A full-spectrum CBD product contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. Full-spectrum CBD products have less than 0.3% THC. 

Terpenes are natural oils that give cannabis its aroma, color, and flavor⁽⁶⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, flavonoids are active compounds found in cannabis. Flavonoids contribute to cannabis’ pigmentation, aroma, and flavor via synergistic relationships with other active compounds like terpenes⁽⁶¹⁾.  

Broad-spectrum CBD contains all compounds of the cannabis plant. However, it is nearly THC-free⁽⁶²⁾. Lastly, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

CBD Extraction Methods 

Cannabis plant extraction methods such as carbon dioxide extraction, ethanol extraction, or solvent extraction with olive oil are preferred when creating a safe CBD product⁽⁶³⁾. 

Meanwhile, extraction techniques using hexane or butane may leave harmful residues⁽⁶⁴⁾. 

Lab Test Results 

The CBD company you choose must enlist the services of a third-party laboratory to test all its products for consistency and potency. 

COAs (certificates of analysis), which determine whether a particular product contains contaminants, are also necessary. 

The Potential Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for GERD

CBD is generally well tolerated in both humans and animals. It also has a good safety profile⁽⁶⁵⁾. 

However, CBD carries some risks and minor side effects, including⁽⁶⁶⁾: 

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 

CBD may also interact with medications, such as proton pump inhibitors that can block acid production and heal the esophagus⁽⁶⁷⁾. 

Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that use the cytochrome P450⁽⁶⁸⁾. Cytochrome P450 is a family of liver enzymes that metabolize approximately 60% of the pharmaceutical drugs people consume. 

At high doses, CBD may inhibit the activity of these enzymes, increasing the duration and effect of prescription medications metabolized⁽⁶⁹⁾.

 However, note that every individual has a unique endocannabinoid system. Since each substance seems to have a distinctive threshold for CBD sensitivity, there is no standard cut-off dose to avoid such interaction.

Individuals need to work with a healthcare professional to monitor the blood levels of their medications while taking CBD oil or other CBD products for GERD. 

Common over-the-counter medications for GERD include lansoprazole and omeprazole⁽⁷⁰⁾. These drugs are an example of proton pump inhibitors that may interact with CBD. 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are considered legal under federal law⁽⁷¹⁾. 

High-quality CBD products are available in most parts of the U.S.A. Still, the legality of CBD depends on the level of restrictions implemented by each state.

Colorado is one of the states allowing recreational and medical marijuana use. The Centennial State decriminalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution in November 2012⁽⁷²⁾. 

Although Colorado and some other states have passed laws regarding recreational and medical marijuana, these state laws do not change the fact that marijuana is still listed as a Schedule 1 drug⁽⁷³⁾. 

Substances listed in the Schedule 1 drug category have high abuse potential⁽⁷⁴⁾. Under federal law, Schedule 1 drugs like marijuana may not be prescribed, administered, or dispensed. 

Rules and regulations regarding medical cannabis may be confusing. Hence, consumers must research and familiarize themselves with various state laws to avoid legal repercussions.