Does Cannabis Interact with the Gut Microbiome?

Does Cannabis Interact with the Gut Microbiome?

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By Hidaya Aliouche, B.Sc.Reviewed by Kate Anderton, B.Sc. (Editor)

As more and more countries legalize Cannabis sp. for medicinal and recreational use, research studies continue to explore and validate its potential therapeutic effects. An example of this is the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The anecdotal evidence of the efficacy of cannabis in various gastrointestinal disorders has been corroborated by the discovery of endogenous cannabinoids, receptors, and synthetic and degradative enzymes in the gut.

Collectively these comprise the endocannabinoid system, whose functions include the control of tissue homeostasis, intestinal motor and sensory activity, hunger and nausea signaling, and integrity of the epithelial barrier function.

Subsequently, the use of various cannabinoid-derived pharmacological substances, such as cannabis, to treat gut-related pathologies is plausible. Underpinning these functions is a dynamic interaction with the gut microbiome. Several papers have now demonstrated a link between the gut microbiome, the endocannabinoid system, and cannabis.

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