CBD for Pancreatitis: Research and Efficacy

With the legalization of cannabis around the globe, people are interested in its all possible derivatives. There are plenty of CBD-infused products out there to try. People are incorporating cannabidiol into their wellness routine for each possible reason. People with pancreatitis look for a natural alternative to soothe inflammation. So, does CBD for pancreatitis effective?

The popularity of this cannabis compound is rising with the emergence of new products. Some people find it a natural pain reliever, and others take it to cure anxiety and depression.

You might be wondering does CBD works. Keep reading to learn what research says about this new natural non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

What Does Research Say About CBD & Pancreatitis?

Though research is limited, some research related to CBD and pancreatitis shows some positive results. Generally, it is an inflammatory disease that results from inflammation. Due to the potent anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol, people are taking it to manage pancreatitis symptoms.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Cannabidiol has the potential to reduce inflammation in the body that is beneficial for pancreatitis. For instance, a 2013 research study on acute pancreatitis shows that CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory agent.

2. Peripheral Neuropathy:

The disorder of peripheral neuropathy happens when your nerves become damaged and inflamed. It causes pain and numbness and is sometimes associated with chronic pancreatitis.

A small 2020 randomized controlled trial looked at the effectiveness of topical CBD oil on people with peripheral neuropathy. The study shows that acute neuropathic pain lowers with CBD topicals. The researcher suggests the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol are more useful than traditional treatment to peripheral neuropathy.

3. Nausea & Vomiting:

Nausea and vomiting are the common symptoms of pancreatitis. Numerous animal studies indicate that CBD can lessen vomiting and nausea. Moreover, cancer patients who suffer from nausea after chemotherapy use CBD to manage the symptoms.

An animal study found that cannabidiol can reduce nausea and lowers vomiting. You can use CBD oil or capsules to manage these symptoms.

Is CBD Safe to Use for Pancreatitis?

According to the WHO – World Health Organization, CBD is a safe compound. Also, there are no health issues found in people who use CBD for pancreatitis.

If you are interested in trying CBD for any health issue, be sure to talk to your health care provider. Only the pharmacist or healthcare professional can determine the CBD drug interactions and the best CBD dosage. Generally, there is no precise CBD dosage for anyone. The best CBD dosage depends upon:

Bodyweight
Body’s biochemistry
Reason to take CBD
Type of CBD spectrum

If you are taking any medication with a grapefruit warning, avoid taking cannabidiol. CBD has the potential to interact with those a grapefruit warning.

Some people can experience the below side effects from CBD:

Fatigue
Diarrhea
Change in weight
Change in appetite

It is worth noting that FDA has not approved any CBD product for any health condition except Epidiolex. Also, the FDA issue warning letters to those companies who mark CBD products as a cure-all.

It is best for you not to self-treat CBD for pancreatitis with CBD only. Talk with your doctor about the best approach for you.

Can CBD Cause or Worsens the Pancreatitis?

Currently, there are no research study reports that CBD causes or worsens this inflammatory condition. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol are quite beneficial in alleviating inflammation.

However, some case studies about cannabis and pancreatitis show that pancreatitis patients smoke cannabis regularly. Typically, cannabis contains more tetrahydrocannabinol than CBD. From the research studies, we conclude that cannabis may contribute to acute pancreatitis. Though, much more research and anecdotal evidence are necessary to understand this a little bit better.

What Is the Best Type of CBD to Use for Pancreatitis?

There are dozens of cannabidiol-infused products available in the market, from oils to topicals. What type of CBD is best for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. For example, you may want to contribute CBD tincture over CBD topicals to manage the inflammation.

A few drops of CBD tincture under the tongue absorbs into the bloodstream directly. Though it offers fast results, you have to be careful about the amount of liquid upon each consumption.

Instead of CBD tinctures, you can opt for gummies that have some sugar content. However, the sugar in a gummy and fat content in a tincture can stimulate your pancreas to release digestive enzymes that can worsen the symptoms.

There are few different types of CBD:

CBD Isolates
Full-Spectrum CBD
Broad-Spectrum CBD

You can choose CBD oil in any spectrum of cannabidiol. The full-spectrum contain all the possible cannabinoids, THC and compound of the cannabis plant and produce entourage effects. On the other hand, CBD isolates and broad-spectrum do not contain THC.

How Can You Find a Quality CBD Product?

When buying CBD products, remember that all CBD products are not equal in formulations and concentration. Also, some companies use high-quality practices to manufacture products while others do not.

Since the FDA has not regulated precautions and safety measures to manufacture CBD products, you can look for the following points:

Testing: Your product must contain an up-to-date and comprehensive certification of analysis from a third-party lab. Also, it contains valid information about the ingredients their amount in the product. Be sure to check that product has passed the test for contaminants like mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Transparency: All reliable CBD companies tell everything about the product to their customers. You can get all the information readily available on the company’s website. It may be available in QR code form on the site.

Company Reputation: A quick search of the CBD brand name will show everything, whether the company has previous lawsuits or not. You can also check the clear customer reviews.

Other Treatment Options for Pancreatitis:

Generally, treating acute or chronic pancreatitis requires hospitalization. There, your pancreas can heal as you receive supportive care, like IV fluids or a feeding tube.

During your hospital stay, you may also receive medication for pain management. If you have chronic pancreatitis and your pancreas isn’t creating enough digestive enzymes, you might be given artificial digestive enzymes.

Surgery is another option if you don’t see improvement with these treatments.

Additionally, your doctor may suggest some diet and lifestyle changes, like:

eating a low-fat, balanced diet
avoiding alcohol
quitting smoking

Although research around CBD and pancreatitis is limited, some research studies indicate that it can reduce inflammation, nausea, and vomiting – associated with pancreatitis.

CBD for Pancreatitis: Research and Efficacy

ByFiza Arooj