With the increasing acceptance of medical and recreational marijuana, understanding the potential adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting the drug is crucial for both individuals and healthcare providers. Diarrhea is one of the less frequently discussed symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, yet it can be experienced by some individuals after quitting the drug. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for diarrhea after quitting marijuana.
Understanding Marijuana Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal refers to the discomfort that individuals may experience as their bodies adjust to functioning without the presence of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. While marijuana withdrawal is generally less severe compared to substances like alcohol or opioids, it can still be uncomfortable for some individuals. Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include anxiety and restlessness, mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, physical symptoms like headaches, sweating, and stomach-related issues, and diarrhea.
Can Stopping Smoking Weed Give You Diarrhea?
Certainly, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including appetite, digestion, and mood. When marijuana is regularly used, the body becomes accustomed to a certain level of cannabinoids. Suddenly discontinuing marijuana use may disrupt the balance of the ECS, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Other potential gastrointestinal side effects of marijuana withdrawal include loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and digestive discomfort. The speed at which food moves through the digestive tract may also be affected, resulting in constipation or diarrhea.
Relationship Between Recreational Marijuana Use and …
relationship between recreational marijuana use and bowel function is limited. According to a nationwide cohort study, individuals with recent recreational marijuana use had lower prevalence of constipation compared to those with past/never use. While recent marijuana use was associated with a decreased odds of constipation, there was no association between recent marijuana use and diarrhea.
Can Marijuana Cause Diarrhea?
There seems to be conflicting evidence on whether marijuana can cause diarrhea. Anecdotal reports suggest that marijuana can both cause and soothe diarrhea and constipation. However, the research on the specific effects marijuana has on the digestive system has not been thoroughly studied. Some studies focusing on patients with irritable bowel disease (IBD) or Crohn’ve disease have found that cannabis may be helpful for treating腹痛和食欲增加, potentially encouraging normal digestion and bowels movements. On the other hand, eating cannabis edibles upsets the stomach due to the high levels of THC introduced into the body via the liver instead of through the lungs. The liver processes THC into a version of the cannabinoid that's much more potent, and too much can bypass cannabis' anti-nausea effects and go straight to causing nausea and stomach discomfort.
