Hey readers!

Glad you are back for another article prepared for Cookies Sacramento. Quick plug, (and if you aren’t familiar) Cookies Sacramento is a premier cannabis dispensary in downtown Sacramento.  They offer a wide variety of cannabis flower and product options to anyone interested in boosting their wellness options or anyone interested in exploring local and well known cannabis offerings. Alright, pulling the plug out.

Recently, I was on one of my buddy’s TikTok live streams. I love watching gamers go live and do their thing. Sometimes you run across some really genuine people and you get to start friendships from afar. It’s kind of like the modern version of having Pen Pals if you will. Anyways, this streamer I like to watch recently got engaged and their significant other and I were chatting on the board. Somehow our conversation turned to invisible illnesses. If you aren’t familiar, ChatGPT do your thing…

An “invisible illness” refers to a health condition or disorder that doesn’t necessarily have obvious physical signs or symptoms. Unlike a visible injury or illness where one can easily discern the person’s health status, individuals with invisible illnesses often appear healthy on the outside. However, they may be grappling with a range of medical conditions that can significantly impact their well-being, such as chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, mental health conditions, or neurological disorders. The challenges faced by individuals with invisible illnesses can be complex, as their experiences may not be readily apparent to others. It underscores the importance of empathy and understanding for those dealing with such conditions.

And to be honest some of us have experienced this first hand. Sometimes prior to being diagnosed we don’t find the right level of care, the right care teams, or people who really get what we are going through. We don’t come across readily as ill, at first glance we don’t fit the description of being in bad shape, right?

We kind of got on this conversation because I chose to share that I struggle with an autoimmune condition and that I use cannabis to help relieve many of the symptoms I find challenging. It was pretty cool because then they shared that they suffer from gastro intestinal (GI) issues and also use cannabis to help relieve many of their symptoms. It kind of gave me a view into how cannabis has so many uses and how so many people from diverse backgrounds are drawn to cannabis as an alternative. And so, to give a nod in that direction I wanted to write an article about how cannabis products can help those who are suffering from GI issues. And also share some of the methods they informed me of that help them personally.

Cannabis is one of those products, it’s personal, and what work’s for others might work for you or maybe there’s another method or product or strain that works best for you. That’s why we are a cannabis community. So we can share our experiences and knowledge to help others looking to find relief and try to regain a sense of normalcy in our personal lives and endeavors.

So here’s some common Gastro Intestinal conditions that people might suffer from and a brief on some of the great products and strains that might help with dampening some those symptoms they carry. Hopefully this information can help you or someone you know. Remember, it is highly recommended you speak with your health care team prior to adding cannabis or its derivatives to a health related regiment.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis fall under IBD. Some studies suggest that cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help manage symptoms associated with IBD.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Cannabis may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that could provide relief for some individuals with IBS.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

While evidence is limited, some studies propose that cannabis may help alleviate symptoms of GERD, such as reducing acid reflux and inflammation.

Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders:

Conditions like functional dyspepsia and abdominal migraines involve chronic abdominal pain. Cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), has been explored for its potential pain-relieving effects.

Appetite Stimulation in Cancer Patients:

Though not a specific gastrointestinal condition, cannabis has been studied for its ability to stimulate appetite, which can be beneficial for individuals undergoing cancer treatments that affect appetite and weight.

My gamer buddy’s S.O. gave me some insights into their favorite ways to take cannabis for their symptoms. They told me they like their “Scooby Snacks,” like mini cookies and baked goods primarily. Next, they love eating chocolates infused with cannabis and that these alternatives were the most effective in managing the issues they had with their GI tract. Now, I can’t speak personally about the effectiveness of edible products of cannabis for GI issues, my symptoms hit my joints and skin mostly. But there was one symptom we both agreed affected us both, being tired and nauseous. My nausea from the medication I take and theirs as a main symptom of the GI issues they face. Cannabis edibles have helped them with that immensely and for me I prefer tinctures. In both cases it looks like the actual consumption of cannabis has helped us both immensely.

For both of us as well, hearing stories and reading articles has helped us inform our decisions and given us some insight into how cannabis can benefit us and the variety of ways we can take it to help. Personally, I’m truly grateful for the staff at Cookies Sacramento. They have a great team there and if you go in and explain what you are looking for, odds are they are going to be able to point you in the right direction and to the right product. That’s been my experience. I’m also happy that they have this platform to give voice and spread awareness to others about the variety of the benefits cannabis can bring. We are a unique community and hopefully the information shared on this platform can help those who need it most. Helping us take the right steps towards improving our overall health and wellness. Kudos Cookies.