As far as I’m aware basically every single person I know over 25 has some form of IBS, otherwise known as irritable bowel syndrome. Whether it’s because you will not stop eating cheese for any reason other than it causing immediate death, or that you’ve just always been that way, it can be a real pain in the butt. I’m sorry that’s the only joke like that I’m going to make I promise. IBS is an extremely common issue that can happen for a wide variety of reasons. While weed can’t exactly cure IBS, though I seriously wish it could, it can certainly help with the plethora of unpleasant symptoms that can make day-to-day existence for sufferers significantly better.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that affects the large intestine. It can be brought on by all sorts of things whether there are foods you are sensitive to or even if you’re just really stressed. So some of us can manage it by altering our diet and watching out for certain lifestyle issues but some of us can’t. In extremely severe cases some medications can help with digestion. The side effects are numerous and extremely unpleasant. IBS episodes can result in bloating, stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhoea, constipation and diarrhoea at the same time somehow, gas and severe abdominal pain. If it gets really bad some people can experience vomiting, rectal bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and iron deficiency. If you’re anything like almost everyone I know who suffers from IBS you can experience reactions to seemingly random foods or drinks that you are normally fine with. Sometimes fried food or dairy can leave you in a painful gas-filled mess on the floor when just the day before you had no trouble at all. This might be because you have stress, anxiety or even PTSD induced IBS. That’s right, going to therapy can help with your intestinal disorder. I also think it’s a bit bloody cheeky that I have to go through trauma and then can’t even eat insane amounts of cheese about it.
How Can Weed Help?
There are quite a few ways that cannabis can help with the symptoms of IBS. We already know that weed affects the endocannabinoid system which in turn affects appetite and can actually alter and often improve, gut health. Of course, we also know that cannabis is often used medicinally to treat pain, trauma, anxiety, stress and a variety of other issues that can either trigger or come as symptoms of IBS. So it is possible that cannabis could help to prevent bouts of IBS and if not can certainly help you to deal with the unpleasant symptoms.
Best Strains For IBS
This is known all over the world as one of the greatest medicinal strains on the market. It has a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio which makes it fantastic for sufferers who don’t want a massive high from their meds. Cannatonic has won multiple awards including 3rd prize at the High Times Cannabis Cup in the Sativa Cup 2008 as well as the CBD flowers prize in 2013. One of the reasons that this little lady is so good for IBS sufferers is her ability to deal with spasms and cramps. If you are familiar with IBS pain you know it feels like digesting thousands of hot needles and is pure agony. This strain will aid with cramp relief, reduce nausea, ease the pain, and reduce inflammation. She has a flowering time of 9 – 10 weeks and can be grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.
This is a very different type of strain as far as IBS treatment is concerned. Trainwreck is extremely powerful and long-lasting with a heavy physical effect. If you primarily experience IBS because of anxiety or stress then this is a fantastic option. It will also basically destroy any pain that you experience because of your mad bowels. This strain is regularly used in intense pain therapy so this is perfect for those of you who just can’t sleep because you ate very slightly the wrong dinner and now your insides are on fire. Trainwreck gets her name from her impressive THC level which usually hits around 21 – 22%. Beginners best be wary, if you have too much of this you may not have to deal with stomach pain but you will have to deal with not being able to move any of your limbs for a few hours. Trainwreck has a flowering time of 8 weeks and can be grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.
This happy strain is great for those who suffer from mentally triggered IBS as well as physically triggered IBS. Harlequin CBD is a happy yet soothing and relaxing strain so the ultimate fighter of anxiety and stress. She is also often used in the treatment of PTSD, which we now know can directly cause IBS. This strain will target the mental aspects of IBS but will also massively reduce the painful side effects. If you’re just trying to have a mental health day and your body is messing with you then this is the perfect strain to just lie back, relax, and digest like a happy person. This is also a fantastic daytime strain as the THC level doesn’t go higher than 6% so sits at around the same level as the CBD. This strain has a flowering time of 56 – 63 days and will grow well indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.
Finally, we have Gorilla Glue, the holy grail for IBS sufferers. This baby reduces nausea, pain, cramping, inflammation, migraines, stress, and pain. No matter which of the regular symptoms your body is sending your way Gorilla Glue has you covered. The high is also extremely happy and relaxing so perfect for those times when you’re just trying to enjoy yourself but you looked too hard at some bread that morning. The only thing with this baby is that the THC level usually hits around 27% so probably not one to smoke on a day when you have to get things done. Gorilla Glue has a flowering time of 8 – 9 weeks and can be grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.
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