If you have pancreatitis, a condition that affects the inflammation of the pancreas, you may be wondering if cannabidiol (CBD) can help you.
The popularity of the cannabis compound continues to rise, as some people find pain relief and nausea, two common symptoms of pancreatitis. It is also sometimes used for inflammation.
But does it really work? Read on to find out what the research says and find out how to spot a quality CBD product.
Although research is still limited, there are some studies related to the symptoms of CBD and pancreatitis.
Anti-inflammatory properties
CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be helpful for pancreatitis. However, much of the research that has been conducted included animals, not humans.
For example, a 2013 study in mice with acute pancreatitis examined the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. Mice were treated with CBD, which helped reduce inflammation.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when nerves are damaged or inflamed. It can cause pain and numbness and is sometimes associated with chronic pancreatitis.
A small randomized controlled trial in 2020 examined the topical effects of CBD oil on 29 people living with peripheral neuropathy. The study found that acute neuropathic pain was reduced in study participants who applied CBD topically.
The researchers suggested that CBD is not only well tolerated, but may also be a useful alternative to traditional treatments for peripheral neuropathy.
Nausea and vomiting
As mentioned above, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pancreatitis. Animal studies have shown that CBD can reduce vomiting and, anecdotally, some people report that it decreases CBD nausea.
A 2020 animal study found that CBD reduced vomiting and nausea in rats and shrews. CBD was administered subcutaneously or under the skin.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally believed to be safe. No specific safety issues are known for people with pancreatitis.
However, a 2019 study on mice found that CBD at very high doses (200 milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight) can cause liver damage. It is important to note that the doses usually used by consumers are much lower than this.
Talk to your doctor if you are interested in CBD and have pancreatitis or fatty liver disease, which is associated with acute pancreatitis.
This is especially important if you are taking medications, especially those that carry a grapefruit warning. CBD may interact with some medications.
In addition, some people may experience CBD side effects. This includes:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- weight changes
Needless to say, no CBD over-the-counter product is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Only Epidiolex, a prescription drug that treats two rare forms of epilepsy, is FDA approved.
The FDA warns against buying CBD from companies that promote CBD products as a remedy for diseases. The FDA also issues warning letters from these companies, so it’s easy to see which companies should be on the “don’t buy” list.
It is also best not to treat only pancreatitis with CBD. Talk to your doctor about the best method for you.
At this time, there appears to be no research to suggest that CBD may cause or worsen pancreatitis.
However, there are some case studies on possible links between pancreatitis and cannabis. Cannabis generally contains much more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than CBD.
A 2018 case study and review examined an 18-year-old woman hospitalized with acute pancreatitis. He reported smoking cannabis twice a week for a period of two months.
Similarly, a 2019 case study and review noted that a 25-year-old man hospitalized with acute pancreatitis consumed cannabis daily.
Both case studies concluded that cannabis may contribute to acute pancreatitis. However, much more research is needed, as case studies are little better than anecdotes and are far from the standard gold randomized controlled trial.
If you want to test for CBD to detect symptoms of pancreatitis, we recommend that you want to try a CBD tincture instead of a topical CBD product (which does not enter the bloodstream significantly) or a gum (which must first pass through the digestive system). ).
CBD tinctures can be absorbed directly under the tongue, providing faster results. Also, you will want to be careful not to introduce too much food into your digestive system, as this can aggravate acute pancreatitis.
The sugar in a gum and the fat content of some CBD tinctures that use fats as a carrier can stimulate the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, which can worsen the symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
There are a few different types of CBD:
The entourage effect theory suggests that full-spectrum CBD may work better, but the type you choose is up to you. Note that any type of CBD may contain traces of THC.
As we have mentioned, CBD comes in many forms. How you take it depends on the type.
You can choose to eat your CBD by consuming jelly beans or other edibles or mixing CBD oil into your favorite food or drink.
Some people choose to apply the dose of CBD just under the tongue for faster absorption. Others choose to apply it topically with a cream, lotion or ointment.
If you decide to use an oil that is taken under the tongue, use the included dropper. Place the oil under the tongue and hold it there for at least 30 seconds before swallowing.
Absorption rates and appropriate doses will depend on the type of product you choose to use, portion size, and other individual factors, such as:
- body weight
- intended use
- metabolism
- genetics
As you can guess, finding the perfect dose can take a while. Start with the lowest dose you can and from there you need a job. Be sure to talk to your doctor as well for recommendations.
When buying CBD, remember that not all CBD products are created equal. Some are made using high quality practices and tested for purity and safety, while others are not.
Since the FDA has not approved CBD over-the-counter products, it is a good idea to critically evaluate each brand and product before making a purchase.
Here’s what to look for:
- Tests. It is important that your CBD product includes an updated and complete Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited third-party lab. The COA shows important information, such as the amount of THC and CBD the product contains. You will also be able to see if the product has been tested for contaminants such as mold, pesticides and heavy metals.
- Transparency. The most responsible and reliable CBD companies clearly explain their products to you on the company’s website. You should know quickly where your hemp comes from and how their products are made.
- Ingredients. Scanning the product label closely can help you find any ingredients you may be allergic to, so you can avoid a serious reaction. Here you can also learn about other added ingredients that can help you with the specific symptom you want to improve.
- Reputation of the company. A quick search for the CBD brand name can help you avoid buying from companies that have pending lawsuits or have received warning letters from the FDA.
There are treatment options for pancreatitis that are backed by more research than CBD.
Generally, the treatment of acute or chronic pancreatitis requires hospitalization. There, the pancreas can heal as you receive supportive care, such as intravenous fluids or a feeding tube.
During your hospital stay, you may also receive pain medication. If you have chronic pancreatitis and the pancreas does not create enough digestive enzymes, you may be given artificial digestive enzymes.
Surgery is another option if no improvement is seen with these treatments.
In addition, your doctor may suggest some changes in your diet and lifestyle, such as:
- eat a low-fat, balanced diet
- avoid alcohol
- stop smoking
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can also help improve symptoms.
Contact a doctor if you experience pain radiating from the left side to your back or if you experience:
- fever
- indigestion
- nausea or vomiting
- abdominal pain
- inexplicable weight loss
- swelling with swollen abdomen
Although research on CBD and pancreatitis is limited, some animal and human studies suggest that it may help reduce inflammation, nausea, and vomiting, which are often associated with pancreatitis.
However, other more traditional treatments for pancreatitis are backed by more evidence.
If you are interested in trying CBD, talk to your doctor first.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3% THC) are legal at the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. CBD products derived from marijuana are illegal at the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check the laws of your state and wherever you travel. Please note that over-the-counter CBD products are not FDA approved and may have an incorrect label.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, OH. He has a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle and entertainment.
