The Effectiveness of CBD in Treating Acid Reflux

Written by Alex Patsfield on 09/20/2022.
Data Last Updated: 01/11/2024.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Kimberly Langdon M.D. is a retired, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University...

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5 min

Table content

What is acid reflux?
How does CBD affect this disease?
What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD?
How to treat acid reflux with CBD?
Conclusions

Every tenth adult suffers from acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Poor nutrition and constant stress provoke this condition, which in turn causes heartburn and other discomforts. GERD is caused by multiple mechanisms that can be neuromuscular, structural, or both. This leads to an interruption of the connection between the esophagus and stomach resulting in exposure of the esophagus to acidic gastric contents. Many people, I’ve met, who suffer from this common pathology are looking for an effective, safe and natural way to combat this disease. The scientific world has recently started discussing the use of CBD-containing drugs based on cannabis to solve this problem.

How effective is cannabidiol in fighting acid reflux and GERD? I decided to learn more facts about it. Let’s find out below.

What is acid reflux?

This condition occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus, which is located between the mouth and the stomach itself. Acid, in turn, causes irritation of the mucous membrane, which leads to unpleasant sensations. When food enters the stomach, the esophageal sphincter closes, thereby preventing the irritating stomach mucosal acid from entering the esophagus. However, if the lower sphincter of the esophagus does not close properly, the acid from the stomach gets back into the esophagus. As a result, a person suffers from heartburn.

How does CBD affect this disease?

What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD? Cannabidiol is one of the ways to eliminate acid reflux, which is actively used in Western medicine. The mechanism of the drug is as follows. The endocannabinoid system, which is present in our body, has an antisecretory effect on gastric juice. In addition, it reduces the inflammation in the damaged areas of the esophageal mucosa. CBD oil or other oral forms of cannabidiol have an effect on the endocannabinoid system, which reduces the secretion of acids. Thus, the likelihood of esophageal burns, which often occurs in the case of GERD, is reduced.

According to research conducted by Swedish scientists, CBD has an analgesic effect on all body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, CBD oil and other similar drugs based on cannabis can be quite effective in the treatment of the pain associated with acid reflux, which is confirmed not only by research but also by practice.

CBD acts on the soft muscle tissues of the gastrointestinal tract and calms peristalsis, minimizes spasms and irregular functions. According to the conclusions of the World Health Organization, there is every reason to believe that CBD can be effective in the treatment of the above-mentioned pathologies.

What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD?

Acid reflux is a disease caused by the passage of gastric juice from the stomach into the esophagus, accompanied by unpleasant sensations called heartburn. If acid reflux is observed for 14 days, then gastroesophageal reflux disease is diagnosed. In both cases, it is possible to use CBD-containing drugs to improve the patient’s condition. In this case, the treatment decision should be made by consulting a qualified medical specialist.

How to treat acid reflux with CBD?

To date, there is no single standard for the treatment of acid reflux with CBD. The dosage and frequency of taking the drug depends on a number of factors, such as:

Patient’s age;
Patient’s weight;
Features of genetics;
The severity of the pathology.

Despite the lack of uniform standards for the treatment of acid reflux and GERD, medical experts recommend starting the drug with small doses, gradually increasing them. Sublingual (under the tongue) oil intake is recommended. The positive effect of taking CBD oil occurs within 15-20 minutes and lasts for 5-6 hours.

Conclusions

It should be borne in mind that CBD oil, capsules and tinctures for GERD and acid reflux should be prescribed by your doctor. It is not recommended to take these drugs independently. It is also not recommended that one uses smoking or vaping forms of medical cannabis or CBD, as the smoke can only worsen the condition of the mucous membrane and lead to additional discomfort. In general, CBD can be safely used as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical products prescribed for GERD.