Have you ever wondered if CBD could help with your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? You’re not alone. IBS is a common condition that can really disrupt your day-to-day life, and many folks are looking for new ways to manage it.
Science is starting to catch up with this idea. A 2020 study found that cannabis and its components, like CBD, can have various effects on gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS.
It seems that CBD might help manage some IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort. However, the results vary from person to person, and more research is needed to fully understand how it works.
In this article, we’re going to dive deeper into how CBD can potentially help with IBS. We’ll also share some of the best CBD products out there for IBS. So, if you’re curious about trying CBD for your IBS, stick around. You might just find what you’re looking for!
Our Process for Selecting the Best CBD for IBS
Choosing the perfect CBD product isn’t easy, given the sheer number of options available today. But don’t fret – we’re here to help. We’ve meticulously examined each product with a stringent set of criteria to ensure quality, safety, and transparency.
Unwavering Quality Standards
Each CBD product that made our list meets these essentials:
- It’s made with hemp cultivated right here in the U.S., adhering to high agricultural standards.
- It contains no more than 0.3% THC, as verified by its certificate of analysis (COA) – ensuring you don’t get any unwanted psychoactive effects.
- It’s cleared tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, in line with the COA, safeguarding you from harmful contaminants.
- It’s undergone third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab, assuring an unbiased quality check.
Delving Deeper into the Details
But we didn’t stop at these basics. We delved further to shortlist products with the following factors in mind:
- The potency of each product, because when it comes to CBD, the dosage makes a difference.
- The ingredient list: we favored products with ingredients specifically known for stress relief.
- The company’s certifications and manufacturing processes to ensure the product comes from trusted, responsible sources.
- The reputation of each brand, including customer reviews, giving us a glimpse into real-life user experiences.
- A keen eye for red flags, like unsupported health claims about their products or a history of FDA warning letters.
Through this thorough and methodical approach, we’re confident that the products we’ve selected are of the highest quality.
Why Only Five Products in Our Guide?
In the landscape of CBD, options abound. You might stumble upon guides featuring 15, 20, or even more products. But let’s face it, isn’t that a bit excessive?
We understand that the wide array of choices can be overwhelming. And after analyzing dozens of merchants and hundreds of products on the market, we’ve found that high-quality CBD products are, in essence, pretty similar. Their differences often boil down to nuances in taste, nothing more.
So, we took a different approach. We wanted to curate a concise list that won’t drown you in a sea of seemingly endless choices.
So we’ve handpicked only five products. But make no mistake, these are not just any five products. They’re the cream of the crop, the top dogs, the… well, you get the point.
Every product on this list is of the highest quality and offers the best price-per-milligram ratio.
So you can be confident that you’re not just getting the best CBD – you’re also getting the best value for your money. Because we believe that when it comes to your health and wellness journey, less can truly be more.
Best 5 CBD Products Effective for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Relief
CBD Broad Spectrum Softgels
A clear choice for convenience and simplicity, cbdMD’s Broad Spectrum Softgels eliminate the fuss. Fortified with CBG, CBN, and Vitamin E, these capsules give you up to 6000 mg of THC-free CBD, derived from U.S. hemp and third-party tested for quality. The transparent softgel casing allows you to see the pure ingredients, maintaining a commitment to natural products. It’s suggested to start with one softgel every morning and evening to allow the CBD to accumulate in the body. As for IBS, CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory and calming effects could provide some relief.
Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies 1500–3000mg
https://cbdfx.com/products/cbd-hemp-gummy-bears-300mg/
Crafted for the discerning palate, these Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies from cbdFX deliver an all-natural, vegan CBD experience. With 50mg of Broad Spectrum CBD per serving, these gummies could be a fun way to ease IBS symptoms by leveraging CBD’s reputed calming effects. Depending on the strength purchased, the serving size varies, offering versatility in dosage.
WATER-SOLUBLE CBD DROPS – LEMON
https://www.binoidcbd.com/collections/best-cbd-oil-tinctures/products/cbd-wellness-drops-lemon
For a zesty twist, try Binoid’s Lemon CBD Water-Soluble Drops. This THC-free, vegan-friendly option is crafted with broad spectrum CBD and organic lemon essential oil. Unlike traditional CBD oils, these drops are oil-free, meaning they can be mixed with any drink, offering a versatile, refreshing experience. For IBS sufferers, the possible anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD could be a boon.
Delta-9 THC Gummies + CBD: Magic Melon Sativa – High Potency
https://cbdfx.com/products/thc-cbd-gummies-magic-melon-sativa/
For those seeking a deeper, legal cannabis experience, the High-Potency Magic Melon Sativa THC Gummies might hit the spot. Each serving contains 30mg of CBD and 10mg of delta-9 THC, promising to lift mood and inspire creativity while possibly easing IBS symptoms with CBD’s calming potential. These vegan, gluten-free gummies are an option for those wanting more THC in their regimen.
25mg Full Spectrum CBD Softgels
https://cobocbd.com/product/25mg-full-spectrum-cbd-softgels/
A versatile addition to any wellness routine, these Full Spectrum CBD Softgels from CoboCBD pack a punch with 25mg of CBD per softgel. Containing other essential cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, these vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free softgels encapsulate a CO2-extracted CBD oil with enhanced effects. Designed to be taste-free and easy to swallow, they could provide an easy route to IBS relief with CBD’s potential soothing properties.
What the Research Says About CBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Cannabis and the Gastrointestinal Tract
https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/jpps/index.php/JPPS/article/view/31242
The study was conducted in 2020. It is a comprehensive review of the effects of cannabis and its constituents, such as cannabidiol (CBD), on various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
The study is based on data from various sources, including the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project- National Inpatient Sample from 2010-2014, and it involves numerous patients. For instance, one part of the study involved 6,798 adult patients with IBS, of whom 357 were cannabis users.
The study found that cannabis and its constituents have various effects on GI disorders. For instance, in a placebo-controlled study involving 21 chronic Crohn’s disease patients, there was a decrease in the disease activity index in 10 out of 11 (90%) subjects taking cannabis, compared to 4 out of 10 (40%) individuals taking placebo.
In another part of the study involving hospitalized IBS individuals, it was found that all-cause 30-day readmission rates were 12.7% in non-cannabis users and 8.1% in cannabis users. After adjusting for various factors, the adjusted odds ratio in cannabis users was 0.53 (95% CI 0.28-0.99). Also, cannabis use appeared to correlate with shorter hospital stays leading to lower total hospitalization charges.
In terms of the effects of cannabis on IBS, the study found that the abdominal visceral pain of IBS is attributed to enhanced perception to colonic distention in about 70% of patients. Observational and clinical studies reported amelioration of a spectrum of GI issues such as constipation, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, providing impetus for use in motility disorders such as IBS.
Cannabis and Turmeric as Complementary Treatments for IBD and Other Digestive Diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30635796/
The study explores the potential benefits of cannabis and turmeric as complementary treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The researchers highlight the need for more rigorous trials to establish the efficacy and safety of these treatments.
Here are some key findings and facts from the study:
The study cites that approximately 38% of adults in the USA use complementary and alternative medicine, and Americans spend over $30 billion out-of-pocket for these therapies.
The study mentions a randomized clinical trial in patients with moderately active Crohn’s disease where CBD oil was found to be safe but not effective in inducing remission. Participants were given either placebo or 10 mg of oral CBD twice daily for an 8-week period, after which a reduction in CDAI (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index) was seen in parallel proportion across the CBD and placebo groups. Similarly, no difference was seen in adverse effects between groups .
The study also refers to a trial where cannabis was used to induce remission in patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). This was the first randomized trial investigating cannabis as treatment for UC.
The study mentions a 2017 randomized, placebo-controlled trial studying the effect of THC in IBS. The trial demonstrated mixed results, with an improvement in the total number of weekly stools and Bristol scale after 4 weeks of therapy compared to the placebo group, but no difference in quality of life (Page 3).
The study also refers to a pilot study evaluating IBS symptom response to two different doses of oral turmeric in patients with IBS. The study resulted in a 53% (once weekly) and 60% (twice weekly) drop in IBS symptoms in both groups after an 8-week period.
Please note that while the study provides some promising results, it emphasizes that more research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of these treatments. It also highlights the potential adverse effects of chronic cannabis use and the need for careful monitoring of potential bleeding complications with synthetic cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid system in irritable bowel syndrome and cannabis as a therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31987224/
The study is a literature review that explores the role of the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and the potential use of cannabis as a therapy for IBS. The researchers conducted a thorough search of international electronic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, without any restrictions on study type, gender, age, and ethnicity of the subjects in the studies. The search yielded many articles, including case reports, editorials, review articles, and meta-analyses. The articles were selected based on their association with the endocannabinoid system, IBS, and medical cannabis.
The study highlights the significant role of the ECS in IBS. It discusses how the ECS modulates various functions in our body, including immunity and inflammation, by activating endocannabinoid receptors. The researchers found that the incidence of IBS was 11.9 times higher in patients with a previous infection than uninfected controls. They also found that the odds of having IBS are enhanced by six-fold after acute gastrointestinal disease .
Regarding the effects of CBD or cannabis on IBS, the study mentions that cannabis modulates different functions in our body, including immunity and inflammation, by activating receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The researchers also found that a decrease in complications of Crohn’s disease was observed in cannabis users compared to non-cannabis users. This is an interesting point that should be explored further in IBS patients.
The study concludes by stating that there is no large scale randomized study to claim the medicinal use of cannabis in IBS. It suggests that further studies should be done in patients with co-morbidities to gauge safety, such as in psychiatric patients with a history of substance abuse or substance-related psychosis. The effects of short-term and long-term use as a medicine and its side effects should be established.
Cannabis Use is Associated With Reduced 30-Day All-cause Readmission Among Hospitalized Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33471483/
The study in question was conducted in 2016 and it was a retrospective cohort study. This means that the researchers looked back at past data, specifically from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Database.
They were interested in patients who had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and wanted to compare hospital readmission rates between those who used cannabis and those who did not.
The main focus was on readmissions specifically due to IBS and any readmissions within a 30-day period. The researchers also considered other factors that might influence readmission rates, such as income and type of insurance.
The study included a total of 7163 patients diagnosed with IBS, out of which 357 reported using cannabis. The researchers found that the 30-day readmission rates for IBS-specific causes were quite similar between patients who used cannabis (1.5%) and those who did not (1.1%).
However, when it came to 30-day readmission rates for any reason, the rates were lower for patients who used cannabis (8.1%) compared to those who did not (12.7%).
After adjusting for other factors, the researchers concluded that patients who used cannabis were less likely to be readmitted for any reason within 30 days. So, while the study did not find a significant difference in hospital readmissions specifically for IBS between patients who used cannabis and those who didn’t, it did discover that cannabis users were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for any reason within a 30-day period.
Effects of Cannabidiol Chewing Gum on Perceived Pain and Well-Being of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Placebo-Controlled Crossover Exploratory Intervention Study with Symptom-Driven Dosing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33998882/
The study was aimed to investigate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and current treatments often fall short. The researchers hypothesized that CBD could potentially offer relief due to its broad molecular target profile.
The study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over trial involving 32 female IBS patients. The participants were given a chewing gum formulation containing 50 mg of CBD, which they were instructed to use on-demand based on their pain symptoms, with a maximum of six gums per day. The researchers used a visual analogue scale to assess pain intensity and an IBS-36 questionnaire to evaluate quality of life.
However, the results of the study showed no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the CBD and placebo groups at a group level. The researchers also didn’t find any indications of symptom-driven intake, and the overall use of the gums was lower than expected. This suggests that the benefits experienced by the patients did not outweigh the practical disadvantages of prolonged chewing throughout the day.
The researchers concluded that, with the current design of the study, no differences at the group level were found between CBD and placebo gum in pain scores and the number of gums used. They also noted a high variation in IBS symptoms both within individuals and between different individuals, suggesting that future trials should be more personalized, such as by using an N-of-1 (rotating) design with individualized dose titration.
How to Shop for CBD for IBS
Identifying the Suitable CBD Format
Firstly, it’s important to select a CBD format that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
CBD Oil: This liquid form is consumed orally. It offers fast relief, is simple to titrate for dosing, and can be employed for microdosing. Its effects usually persist for 2-3 hours.
CBD Gummies: If you appreciate candies, CBD gummies might be your preferred choice. They’re delicious, easy to dose, and deliver a more prolonged release of CBD over 4-6 hours. Moreover, they’re portable and available in sugar-free, vegan, and gluten-free variants.
CBD Capsules: These look like any other supplements you might take, but they contain CBD. They’re fuss-free, handy, and take about 30-60 minutes to take effect.
Grasping the Distinct CBD Types
Next, it’s crucial to understand the different types of CBD products on the market.
CBD Isolate: This variety is pure CBD, devoid of any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or fatty acids from the cannabis plant. It’s typically less expensive and free from THC.
Full-Spectrum CBD: This type incorporates all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids from the cannabis plant, including a trace amount of THC. It is touted for the ‘entourage effect,’ which is considered beneficial.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: This type stands as a balance between isolate and full-spectrum. It features all the cannabinoids and associated compounds, except for THC.
Selecting the Appropriate Potency
Finally, you’ll need to determine the potency or strength, of the CBD.
Low-Potency (300 mg): This strength is advisable for beginners or those who have a sensitivity to CBD. It’s often employed for general wellbeing and stress management.
Mid-Potency (600 mg): This potency level caters to those who need larger doses of low-potency CBD. It’s widely used for managing anxiety and day-to-day pain.
High-Potency (1,000 mg): This potency level is at the higher end of the spectrum and is often used for addressing sleep disturbances, significant muscle pain, migraines, and managing daily stress and anxiety.
Remember, CBD interacts differently with each individual, meaning that a product that is effective for one person might not work as well for another. The key is to find a CBD product that best fits your unique requirements.
FAQ
How does CBD help with IBS symptoms?
CBD may help relieve IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation in the gut. CBD can also help reduce anxiety and depression which often accompany IBS. More research is still needed.
What is the best way to take CBD for IBS?
CBD oil placed under the tongue seems to be one of the most effective delivery methods for IBS. This allows faster absorption into the bloodstream. CBD capsules are also an easy option. Vaping CBD or using topicals can provide localized relief as well.
What dosage of CBD is recommended for IBS?
There is no standard CBD dosage for IBS. Most studies use between 25-50 mg CBD per day. It’s best to start low at around 5-10 mg per day and increase slowly over a few weeks until you find relief. Work with a doctor to find the right dose.
How often can you use CBD oil for IBS?
CBD oil can be taken daily for IBS symptoms. Consistency is key, so taking CBD 1-2 times per day at the same times is recommended. Track your symptoms and adjust the dose based on the relief you experience. As with any supplement, talk to your doctor first.
How long does it take for CBD to work for IBS?
Most people notice some relief from IBS symptoms within 2-4 weeks of starting CBD. However, it may take experimenting with the dose and delivery method to optimize results. Give CBD at least 1 month before deciding if it works for your IBS. The effects are gradual and build over time.
What are the side effects of using CBD oil for IBS?
Potential side effects of CBD for IBS include diarrhea, changes in appetite, fatigue, and interactions with medications/supplements. CBD can also increase stomach acid so start with low doses. Talk to a doctor about how CBD could affect other conditions and medications.
Can you take CBD oil with IBS medications?
You can take CBD with IBS medications, but check with your doctor first. CBD may interact with some common IBS meds like dicyclomine or hyoscyamine. Your doctor can help monitor you for changes in side effects or IBS symptoms if using CBD with prescription meds.
Does CBD help constipation from IBS?
Research on using CBD for constipation specifically is limited. However, by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles in the intestines, CBD may help improve motility and loosen stool. More studies are needed, but CBD shows potential to help IBS-related constipation.
Is CBD safe long-term for IBS?
Existing research has not found any significant long-term health risks associated with taking CBD. However, studies on long-term CBD use are still very limited. As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to take breaks from CBD and discuss ongoing use with your doctor to monitor for side effects.
Where can you buy CBD oil for IBS?
You can find CBD oil and other CBD products for IBS online and at some local health stores. Only purchase CBD from companies that independently test their products for purity and potency. Dispensaries also offer high quality CBD oils in states where medical or recreational cannabis is legal.