Can Cannabis Edibles and Tinctures Cause Constipation?

cannabis constipation

If you’ve been experiencing constipation after consuming cannabis, particularly edibles or tinctures, you’re not alone – and there’s a way around it.

While cannabis can actually relieve constipation in many people, the opposite is true for others. But that’s the beauty in the complexity of this plant: different strains can have different effects on people, and even the same strain can result in a different outcome when taken in various doses or administration methods.

Why Does Cannabis Cause Constipation?

Constipation is one of the mild and uncomfortable, yet treatable, side effects of cannabis. No one enjoys the feeling of being constipated! Some symptoms of cannabis-induced constipation include hard stools, bowel movements less than three times a week, abdominal pain, difficulty passing stools, or the feeling that your rectum is obstructed.

This outcome is more common with edibles because they have to pass through the digestive tract. Edibles, in particular, tend to cause constipation more because they contain more ingredients and interact with cannabis in your stomach. In fact, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content in cannabis is actually known to relax your digestive system. In doing so, it helps things move along quicker and more efficiently. So when you’re smoking or taking pure cannabis with THC and CBD, it can even act as a laxative. This is the reason why cannabis is used for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition characterized by issues with bowel movement including constipation.

If you’ve eaten edibles and experienced constipation, you should read up on the ingredients in the product before eating it. It’s highly likely that other ingredients may actually be causing things to get “backed up” more than normal. Keep in mind that cannabis edibles, capsules, and tinctures require an oil or some form of fat to carry THC. This can mess up some peoples’ stomachs.

Edibles also take the longest of all forms of administration to take effect. Sometimes, its effects can be felt immediately, while other times it may take as long as half an hour. When the THC reaches your liver after eating an edible, it’s being converted into its psychoactive form. This is part of what takes so long, weed delivery in Palm Springs is even faster. Other factors include what and how much you’ve eaten that day, and your overall tolerance for cannabis edibles.

We also know that pretty much ANY food item can be infused with cannabis. But are you eating constipation-inducing food, mixing them with cannabis oils, or eating them with cannabis in your system (you might be getting the munchies)? That could be the culprit. Here’s a list of the most common constipating foods:

Milk/dairy
Chocolate
Red meat
White rice
White bread
Fast food
Frozen dinners and processed food

Mixing Cannabis With Vitamins And Supplements

You should also reexamine the medications and supplements that you are taking. Remember, cannabis can’t mix with all kinds of medicines out there even if it’s completely natural. Interactions and side effects are inevitable, including constipation. Supplements and vitamins that tend to cause constipation include calcium, iron, and vitamin D.

Before you quit vitamins and supplements, it’s always best to consult your doctor. This is especially important if you need any for your overall health and wellbeing, or if you’re vitamin deficient. We’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to the side effects of mixing cannabis and other drugs, and the only true safe way to do so is with the guidance of a doctor. Talk to a doctor that’s knowledgeable in cannabis to help you navigate this sticky medical situation.

Managing And Avoiding Cannabis Induced Constipation

If you’re one of the few people experiencing constipation due to cannabis, treating it is simple: STOP what you’re doing. Instead, check out the tried and tested ways to manage and even avoid it altogether. For one, change up your administration method. As mentioned earlier, edibles, tinctures, and capsules are the most common culprits for constipation. If these are your typical consumption methods, opt to vape or smoke instead.

Make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water whenever you’re ingesting cannabis, particularly edibles. Cannabis has been known to give people “cotton mouth”. This may make you feel like you’re dehydrated, one of the most common causes of constipation.

Keep a journal and detail your consumption habits. Experiment with various strains and products, stop consuming edibles with constipating ingredients, and take note how things change in your body.