Gastrointestinal issues are pretty hard to handle and can become a barrier in leading a normal life. It directly affects your ability to digest food and this affects the absorption of vital nutrients. A doctor can educate you about this in a better manner. If you are wondering how to find a medical marijuana doctor near me, it’s pretty easy. Thanks to the internet that makes everything more manageable. Well, getting back to the gastrointestinal infections, cannabis can be of great help. There is sound research to support this and the treatment is pretty effective.
How Cannabis Works For Gastrointestinal Infections?
Clinical researchers mention that a large part of the credit goes to the endocannabinoids system (ECS). Scientists like Dr. Raphael Mecholum mention that the ECS regulates sleep, nervous system, and immune responses. So, it plays a visible role in managing the gastrointestinal infections too. In fact, research says that endocannabinoid deficiency can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and GI disorders.
Well, if we talk about the endocannabinoid system, it’s a network of enzymes, cannabinoids, and receptors that are spread throughout the body. So, when you ingest cannabis, the active compounds like THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid receptors to trigger the release of feel-good hormone. This brings a sense of balance within the body also known as homeostasis.
There are mainly two kinds of receptors in the body: CB1 and CB2. If we talk about CB1, it’s mainly present in the brain and shows increased binding affinity to THC. This interaction leads to the psychoactive feeling of a high. On the other hand, CB2 shows limited presence in the nervous system, and is present in other parts of the body. So, receptors present in the gastrointestinal system can sketch the necessary beneficial effects on your body.
Research Supports The Use of Cannabis For Gastrointestinal Infections
The researchers at the University of Texas Northwestern studied the role of endocannabinoids in managing gastrointestinal infections. During this study, the researchers used mice that were genetically altered to produce a cannabinoid known as 2-AG. So, a group of genetically altered mice and unaltered mice were taken and exposed to three pathogens. Based on the experiment, the researchers mentioned that mice with high levels of 2-AG level were less prone to infections by salmonella, C. rodentium, and E. coli. The scientists even conducted a second experiment in which the unaltered mice were given a drug to increase 2-AG levels temporarily. Again, the mice were able to fight off the gastrointestinal infections due to the high presence of 2-AG cannabinoid.
In further experiments, researchers even figured out the exact pathway through which the cannabinoid is able to limit the activity of the bacteria. Scientists grew cells using a petri dish and found that the cannabinoid blocks QseC which is a gene bacteria use to signal other bacteria to spread the infection. So, doctors believe that this research has helped us understand how cannabis can manage IBS and GI. Cannabis is great at managing inflammation and this works great in reducing gastrointestinal pain.
Have a Word With the Doctor
No matter what condition you are going through, when you plan to use cannabis, it’s always a good idea to take the doctor’s advice. That’s because, they have the necessary knowledge of cannabis to educate you about the right approach towards using cannabis. The doctor screens your health and analyzes the health issue you are facing. The main aim of this process is to check if you have a qualifying medical condition that can be managed with the help of cannabis. The symptoms of gastrointestinal infection do qualify. So, you won’t really have a problem in getting the permission to own a cannabis card.
How to Find The Right Medical Marijuana Doctor Near me?
To find a good marijuana doctor near you, start with some research and have a look at the user ratings. Pay attention to what people have to say about a particular clinic as it gives you a glimpse into their working prowess. Plus, check their certifications as it serves as proof that they are trustworthy. It’s a good idea to compare multiple clinics on the basis of price, services, and reputation. Then select the one that offers the best mix of all.
Once you find the doctor, you can access an MMJ card and get the legal right to purchase cannabis from the state-certified dispensary. With the right dose, you can manage gastrointestinal infection and enhance your health.