Does weed ever make your stomach feel different? A lot of people notice they poop sooner, later, or not at all after cannabis.
In this post, I’ll answer the big question: does weed make you poop. I’ll break down what THC and CBD do in your gut and why the same gummy can help one person and upset another.
We’ll talk about constipation, diarrhea, cramps, and that “urgent” feeling. I’ll also cover strain types, dose size, and how smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures can change the result.
By the end, you’ll know what signs to watch, how to adjust safely, and when it’s time to talk to a doctor about it, too.
Does Weed Make You Poop and How Cannabis Affects Digestion?
Yes, weed can make you poop as it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which can either slow down or speed up your digestive process depending on the type of cannabis and how it’s used.
When you use cannabis, THC and CBD affect your digestive system by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate functions like mood, sleep, and digestion.
The ECS has receptors in your gut that control stomach motility and the passage of food through your intestines.
THC can slow down digestion, which might lead to constipation, but for some, this slower movement helps with diarrhea. CBD, on the other hand, can speed up digestion and may relieve constipation.
The effects vary for each person, depending on how the cannabinoids interact with your body. So, if weed makes you poop more or less, or causes stomach discomfort, it all depends on your unique response.
The Science Behind Cannabis and Gut Health
So, you’re probably wondering what science says about weed and your stomach? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
In a recent NIH article titled “Cannabis Use and Associated Gastrointestinal Disorders,” the authors explored how cannabis affects the digestive system.
They noted that cannabis, particularly THC, can impact gut motility, sometimes providing relief for constipation by relaxing the muscles in the intestines. However, for others, THC can have the opposite effect, speeding up digestion and potentially causing diarrhea.
It’s clear that cannabis has complex effects on digestion. There’s substantial research showing that THC can help ease constipation by relaxing gut muscles, but too much can lead to faster digestion and diarrhea.
As the studies suggest, understanding how your body responds is key to managing these effects, and finding the right balance is important to avoid digestive discomfort.
The article highlighted that the effects of cannabis on digestion vary between individuals, influenced by factors such as the strain, dosage, and consumption method.
Why Do People React Differently on Weed?
Everyone’s body is different, and that’s why people can have different experiences when they use weed. Some things that change how weed affects you include:
- Tolerance: If you use weed often, your body might get used to it, so the effects could be different than if you’re a first-time user.
- Strain:There are different types of cannabis, and each type (like THC-heavy or CBD-heavy strains) can have a different impact on your gut.
- Consumption Method:How you take cannabis also matters. Smoking or vaping might affect your body differently than eating an edible.
These factors all contribute to how cannabis affects digestion, so it’s important to pay attention to your body’s unique response.
Long-Term Cannabis Use and Its Impact on Your Digestion
While the short-term effects of weed on digestion are well-known, what happens when you use it regularly over a long period? Let’s take a look at how long-term cannabis use can affect your digestive health:
- Slower Digestion Over Time:Some research suggests that long-term, heavy use of THC can slow down digestion. This could lead to chronic constipation or sluggish bowel movements for some individuals.
- Potential for Gut Sensitivity:Regular use might make some people’s stomachs more sensitive. This could result in increased bloating, discomfort, or even nausea over time.
- Increased Risk for Digestive Conditions:While cannabis may help with short-term issues like IBS or nausea, long-term heavy use might makecertain conditions worse or lead to other digestive problems. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re a daily user.
Understanding these potential long-term effects can help you make informed choices about cannabis use and its impact on your digestive health.
Can Weed Make You Poop More or Cause Diarrhea?
When you use weed, your digestive system might respond in different ways, and sometimes it can even change how often you need to go to the bathroom. Let’s break it down:
| Effect | What Happens | Who Might Experience This |
|---|---|---|
| Relieves Constipation | Marijuana can help improve motility, easing constipation by promoting smoother digestion. | People with constipation or IBS who use cannabis in moderation. |
| Causes Diarrhea | For some, marijuana speeds up digestion, leading to loose stools or diarrhea. | Those sensitive to THC, especially at higher doses or with certain strains. |
| Slows Digestion (Constipation) | High doses of THC can slow down gut movement, potentially leading to constipation. | Heavy or frequent users, especially those with a high THC tolerance. |
| Immediate Urge to Poop | Some users feel the urge to poop almost immediately after using cannabis due to changes in gut muscle contractions. | People with sensitive stomachs or those using marijuana for digestive relief. |
Everyone’s digestive system reacts differently, and it’s all about finding what works best for you.
Effects of Marijuana on Digestion Based on Strain & Method of Consumption
When it comes to how weed affects your digestion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on a few things, like the strain of weed you use and how you consume it. Let’s break it down:
How Strain Affects Digestion: THC vs. CBD
Not all weed is the same! There are different types of cannabis, and they can affect your stomach in different ways. The two main types are:
- THC-heavy strains: These are the types of weed that get you “high.” THC can slow down digestion for some people, which could lead to constipation. But for others, it might help the muscles in the stomach and intestines work better, aiding digestion.
- CBD-heavy strains: CBD doesn’t get you high, but it can still affect your stomach. It’s known for helping to reduce inflammation, which can be great for people who have conditions like IBS. CBD might also help speed up digestion for people who are feeling constipated.
So, if you areusing a THC-heavy or CBD-heavy strain could change how your stomach feels after using weed.
Effects of Edibles vs. Smoking
How you consume weed also matters. Smoking or vaping weed affects your body much faster than eating it, but the effects can feel different:
- Smoking or Vaping: When you smoke or vape weed, it hits your system quickly. Some people might feel the urge to go to the bathroom soon after smoking. This happens because THC acts fast, helping get things moving in your digestive system.
- Edibles: If you eat cannabis, it takes longer to feel the effects. This is because your body has to digest the food first. When you eat edibles, the effects last longer, and for some people, that might mean slower digestion, leading to constipation. For others, it might help them feel more relaxed and relieve constipation.
In the end, how your body reacts to weed depends on the type of cannabis you use and how you take it.
So, if you’re having digestive issues with weed, you might want to try a different strain or consumption method to see what works best for you!
WrapUp
So, does weed make you poop? Well, the answer isn’t the same for everyone. For some, it helps with constipation, while for others, it can cause diarrhea.
This all comes down to how cannabis interacts with your gut and your body’s unique response.
If you aredealing with IBS, just looking for a natural remedy, or simply curious about marijuana’s effects on your digestion, it’s important to understand how different factors can influence your experience.
If you’re new to cannabis or want to learn more about its impact on your bowel health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Curious about your own experiences with weed and digestion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
