Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Approximately 25% of Australians have symptoms consistent with dysfunctional gut, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), at some time in their life. Current treatments for IBS and bowel dysfunction often have limited effect, with a large majority of people living with chronic gut dysfunction symptoms for years. 

IBS and bowel dysfunction can affect people in many ways including pain, bloating, diarrhea/constipation, anxiety, disturbed sleep and impact on work and relationships. 

There is increasing clinical and scientific acceptance of the parallels between mood and anxiety disorders and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Similar neurotransmitters act on both systems and treatments for IBS and bowel dysfunction now include modalities developed for brain-based disorders, such as CBT, hypnotism and antidepressant medication. 

Medicinal Cannabis is used to manage a variety of medical conditions, with differing CBD/THC components used for different issues. The following categories of medicinal cannabis may benefit patients with IBS/bowel dysfunction:

  • CBD Dominant

    Used to treat Inflammation, Chronic Pain, Inflammatory bowel disease, Nausea, Depression, Anxiety

  • THC Dominant

    Used to treat Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Low appetite, Nausea, Anxiety

  • Balanced Dose

    Used to treat Anxiety, Insomnia, Nausea, Vomiting, Chronic Pain


Cannabinoid Receptors

Medicinal cannabis has proven efficacy in terms of treating pain and altering cognitive and perceptual processes in the brain via cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including peripheral and central nervous symptoms, and they are also present on the gastrointestinal lining and in the immune system. Via cannabinoid receptors, medicinal cannabis may be able to alter the generation and transmission of aversive sensation from the GI tract. 

Cannabinoid receptor activity likely suppresses the inflammatory response found in chronic pain syndromes, along with relieving complex chronic pain pathways. Cannabinoid receptor action also helps other symptoms, such as nausea, sleep disturbance, anxiety and mood changes. 

One of the main differences between medicinal cannabis and illicit cannabis is that the dose of CBD and THC is controlled and administered in a fashion to maximise symptom management while minimising the perceptual or cognitive changes. In this fashion, people get the best effects with minimal disruption to their day-to-day activities. 

Complex conditions like IBS require a holistic approach to management. An appointment to discuss medicinal cannabis involves an assessment of lifestyle, mental health and well-being and a person’s individual goals for pain management. 

Medicinal cannabis is an increasingly common and safe choice to help people manage complex conditions like IBS. Inner North Medical Clinic offers an informed and supportive service to help people explore this as an option. 

To access a prescription, make an appointment through our Cannabis Clinic to see one of our Authorised Prescribing Doctors.