Feeling nauseated can affect your ability to eat, sleep, work, or function day to day. When nausea strikes, whether due to a chronic condition, chemotherapy, or certain other medications, you need something that works quickly and reliably.
Medical marijuana is gaining ground as an effective option, and science is backing up what many patients already know: it can make a real difference.
Led by Dr. James O. Hill II, the team at Medicus Cannabus provides compassionate, expert care to help you explore medical cannabis as part of a personalized treatment plan. With extensive experience in emergency medicine, addiction care, and osteopathic medicine, Dr. Hill has managed general and complex cases of nausea and understands the need for safe, evidence-based solutions.
Here we’ve gathered helpful information about how medical marijuana works to relieve nausea and why it might be the right choice for you.
Nausea is a protective reflex triggered by the central nervous system, particularly the brainstem’s vomiting center. It’s often linked to the activation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which responds to chemical signals in your blood.
Common causes of nausea include:
Traditional anti-nausea drugs, like ondansetron or metoclopramide, block specific neurotransmitters. But these drugs don’t always work well for everyone and can cause unwanted side effects.
Medical marijuana interacts with your body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that regulates functions like mood, appetite, digestion, and pain.
Two main cannabinoids in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), bind to receptors in the ECS, especially the CB1 receptors located in the brain and gut. THC, in particular, has strong antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects.
THC inhibits the signals from the CTZ and vomiting center, reducing both the sensation of nausea and the urge to vomit. This makes medical marijuana especially helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy or living with chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
Several studies support the use of cannabis for nausea relief:
A 2022 study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology found that medical cannabis provided near-immediate nausea relief in about 96% of individuals surveyed.
Research also shows that cannabinoids are effective at relieving chemotherapy-related nausea, compared to standard treatments in cancer patients.
Cannabis-derived medications, like dronabinol (synthetic THC), can reduce nausea, often with fewer side effects than other antiemetics.
Cannabis comes in many forms, including:
For rapid relief, inhaled cannabis is often the most effective. Tinctures and oils allow for more controlled dosing. Dr. Hill works with you to choose the right strain, dose, and method for your symptoms and health goals.
If standard medications haven’t helped your nausea, medical cannabis may offer a safe, effective alternative. Contact us at Medicus Cannabus to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hill and regain control with a tailored cannabis care plan backed by medical science.
