Smoking Cannabis and Acid Reflux - Things to Know
Does smoking weed cause acid reflux? This is an important question for anyone who regularly suffers from acid reflux as it's a condition that causes significant discomfort.
For cannabis consumers who experience acid reflux after smoking weed, switching to tinctures, edibles, or capsules could be an effective way of avoiding unwelcome after-effects.
Does Smoking Weed Cause Acid Reflux?
The short answer to this question is that smoking weed could exacerbate acid reflux symptoms because smoking leads to a disruption of the normal functioning of the esophagus and the muscles that control acid reflux. However, non-smoked cannabis products might actually help.
Top ways to avoid acid reflux or heartburn when consuming weed include:
Consuming tinctures, capsules, or edibles instead of smoking
Being careful about what you eat when the munchies hit
Looking after your overall health by staying active and keeping off excess weight
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is often referred to as heartburn, and you may also hear the term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they're not exactly the same thing.
How Are Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD Different?
There are some subtle but important differences between these three issues. Identifying which problem you have may help you find the best solution.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a common complaint that occurs when acid from your stomach flows back up into your esophagus and throat. This acid can irritate and inflame the tissue inside the esophagus, causing an unpleasant and uncomfortable feeling that can persist for some time.
Acid reflux isn't dangerous and most people will experience it every now and again. However, when chronic acid reflux occurs, it can do real damage to your esophageal tissue.
GERD
Gastrointestinal system disorders like GERD can potentially cause serious complications in the esophagus due to acid reflux-related inflammation. GERD is diagnosed when a patient experiences acid reflux more than twice a week over several weeks. Because stomach acid secretion is so hard on the tissue in the esophagus, patients with chronic acid reflux can develop other conditions, including asthma.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a consequence of acid reflux or GERD. Heartburn isn't a condition in itself but rather a symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn is a burning sensation felt around the sternum that occurs when stomach acid flows into the esophagus.
How Marijuana Interacts With the Gastrointestinal System
All types of smoking can cause problems in the digestive system and worsen acid reflux. Smoking causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to rise up the esophagus more easily. This leads to the feeling of heartburn.
More indirectly, overeating, eating unhealthy foods, or mixing marijuana and alcohol can contribute to acid reflux. Consuming highly acidic or fatty foods like coffee, soft drinks, or fast food with condiments or sauces while you have the munchies won't help an already sensitive stomach.
How Smoking Marijuana Might Contribute to Symptoms of GERD
There is some evidence to suggest that smoking as a way of consuming marijuana may contribute to acid reflux or even GERD. There are a couple of reasons for this:
Smoking cannabis, especially when inhaling deeply, can irritate the airways and cause excessive coughing. This coughing and irritation can increase the likelihood of acid reflux as it puts more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and disrupts the normal functioning of the esophagus.
There is a strong correlation in a number of studies between smoking in general and GERD. In one study, smoking cessation was linked to an improvement in GERD symptoms.
Smoking marijuana could therefore contribute to acid reflux as a result of the inhalation-based delivery method.
Can Ingesting Marijuana Actually Help Acid Reflux?
Despite some evidence that smoking weed may worsen acid reflux, one animal study suggests that ingesting THC orally could reduce acid reflux episodes. Practically speaking, this could mean that consuming weed via tinctures or capsules could help to prevent acid reflux or improve acid reflux symptoms.
Tips for Reducing Acid Reflux Symptoms
There are several steps you can take to improve acid reflux, as many of the aggravating factors are preventable. Though medications to treat acid reflux are readily available, lifestyle choices can often prevent the problem from forming. To reduce the effects of gastrointestinal disorders like acid reflux, try to avoid the following risk factors:
Avoid trigger foods and beverages. Fatty, spicy, and acidic foods can trigger acid reflux. Carbonated beverages can also worsen the symptoms.
Avoid large meals. Having a very full stomach can cause more acid reflux. Eat smaller meals at more regular intervals.
Avoid lying down after eating. Sitting or standing keeps your stomach acid in the right place.
Lose excess weight. More body weight spreads the muscles that support the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This lowers the pressure that holds the sphincter closed, leading to reflux and heartburn.
Avoid smoking cigarettes or other substances. Smoking may relax the LES, leading to reflux.
Your physician may also prescribe you medication to reduce symptoms when reflux hits. Common medication options include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
How to Reduce Acid Reflux Caused by Marijuana Use
Both recreational and medical cannabis can cause acid reflux when smoked. For regular users, especially medical marijuana users, this can be a potential problem. It may be necessary therefore to find alternative ways of consuming cannabis to avoid increased reflux.
Alternatives to Smoking Weed
Regular cannabis consumers with acid reflux symptoms may benefit from alternatives to smoking. Luckily, there are a wide range of products that offer an incredible experience without the need to inhale. These include:
Tinctures
Capsules
Edibles
Beverages
Finding what works best for you may be a case of trial and error. Ask for advice in your local dispensary if you're unsure.
Try Non-Smoked Products for Acid Reflux
Smokers who regularly face issues with acid reflux can try other delivery methods to reduce their symptoms. With so many different options on the market, regular consumers can find multiple ways of changing up their experience without the unwelcome after-effects.
When all is said and done, consuming weed should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience that enhances your well-being. When acid reflux affects your enjoyment, it's time to look for an alternative consumption method that doesn't kill your buzz.