Relationship between Cannabis (THC, CBD) and the Gut Microbiome

The human body comprises trillions of cells, each performing unique roles and functions. Every cell has an extraordinary ability to detect and respond to its surroundings, including signals from neighbouring cells within the body. These signals significantly influence the behaviour and functioning of each cell.

In addition to your human cells, which each play a unique role in expressing your individual genome, a healthy adult body also hosts trillions of other cells. These microorganisms possess their own distinct genomes and form a fascinating part of your overall biological composition. 

Table of Contents

• Prebiotics And The Impact Of Diet On The Gut Microbiome
• Endocannabinoids and the Gut Microbiome
• Exploring the Relationship Between Cannabis (THC, CBD) and the Gut Microbiome

The surfaces of your body are home to a diverse array of microbes, collectively known as your microbiome. Your entire microbiome consists of various local microbiomes. Each small area of tissue on your body supports a unique community of microorganisms perfectly suited to thrive there. The gut microbiome comprises a diverse community of microbes residing in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These microbial communities vary across different sections of your GI tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon.

The microbiome within the GI tract plays a crucial role in various aspects of our health, including nutrient absorption, disease susceptibility, and even brain function.

Extensive research is currently underway on the fascinating concept of the “microbiome-gut-brain axis.” This field of study delves into the intricate connection between our nervous system and gut, focusing on how the microbiome facilitates communication between the two.

Probiotics, and the Impact of Diet on the Gut Microbiome

The cells of your gut microbiome and the human cells in your body are in constant communication. The way you live your life and the choices you make significantly influence the composition of your microbiome. Your microbiome, in turn, has a substantial impact on both your physiology and behaviour. It undergoes continuous changes, adapting to your lifestyle without your conscious awareness.

You can also intentionally modify it by consuming specific nutrients that promote the growth of beneficial microbes (prebiotics), introducing “good bacteria” into your gut (probiotics), eliminating bacteria (such as with antibiotics), or making deliberate adjustments to your diet.

Prebiotics provide essential nourishment for the cells of your gut microbiome. These foods are typically rich in fibre. With the increasing awareness of gut health and its connection to the microbiome, consumer marketing has followed suit. Store-bought foods that were once labelled “High fibre” are now labelled “With prebiotics,” even though the actual product remains unchanged.

When your diet lacks sufficient prebiotics such as fibre, it becomes challenging for beneficial bacteria to thrive, increasing the likelihood of potentially harmful microbes taking their place.

A growing number of individuals are incorporating probiotics into their daily routines. These probiotics usually come in the form of capsules containing various strains of beneficial bacteria. Although it is possible to positively impact the composition of your microbiome and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, many consumers end up wasting their money.

For a probiotic to be effective, it is crucial for the beneficial bacteria to enter a gut that provides an appropriate prebiotic environment. If your diet lacks essential prebiotic nutrients like fibre and is generally unhealthy, probiotics won’t be effective, and the beneficial bacteria you consume won’t be able to thrive.

Some probiotics may not contain a sufficient number of bacterial cells to provide any benefits. For bacterial cells to establish and thrive in your gut, a sufficient number must enter a nourishing environment. Understanding which bacteria are beneficial and determining the appropriate amount to consume requires thorough research and a methodical approach to dietary choices.

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Given the numerous points of contact between the cells of our body and our microbiome, it is highly likely that any lifestyle change will result in alterations to your microbiome. There is a strong connection between changes in the gut microbiome and various factors such as stress levels, exercise routines, and sleep patterns. Our ingestion of pharmaceuticals also plays a significant role in influencing the gut microbiome.

Many of us unknowingly impact our gut microbiome by consuming substances that can alter its composition. Antibiotics have a particularly strong impact. When a bacterial infection occurs and antibiotics are taken, it can lead to the unintended consequence of eliminating helpful gut bacteria alongside the targeted harmful bacteria.

Not properly nourishing your body can exacerbate this disruption, potentially leading to adverse health effects. It is important to use antibiotics judiciously and be mindful of your diet after taking them.

When you need to take antibiotics to treat an infection, it can offer a chance to partially “reset” your microbiome. Antibiotics have the potential to eliminate a significant number of bacteria in your gut. There are different types of bacteria, some beneficial in aiding nutrient absorption, while others can be harmful by producing toxins or causing irritation.

To support the growth and longevity of beneficial bacteria after taking antibiotics and partially restoring your gut microbiome, it is crucial to maintain a nutritious diet that includes an adequate amount of fibre. This will create a favourable prebiotic environment, allowing for the growth of a diverse and beneficial microbiome.

Consider incorporating probiotics into your routine after taking antibiotics to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. (As always, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any medical decisions).

Psychiatric medications and other drugs can also impact your microbiome. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used to treat depression, can have an effect. While serotonin is commonly associated with its role as a neuromodulator in the brain, a significant amount is actually found in other parts of the body, such as the gut.

SSRIs affect serotonin levels in both the brain and gut, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues as a common side effect. These changes can impact the gut’s molecular environment and indirectly affect the growth of certain microbes. Additionally, SSRIs can directly influence the composition of the gut microbiome by exerting antimicrobial effects.

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Endocannabinoids and the Gut Microbiome

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a vital role in maintaining balance and stability across various tissues in the body. The gut, in particular, is home to a rich abundance of endogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors. These components are crucial in regulating several aspects of gut function, including inflammation, the movement of food along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the absorption of water and nutrients from the GI tract into the body.

Given the well-established role of the ECS in governing gut physiology, it is quite remarkable that cannabinoids can impact the gut microbiome. Changing your diet can affect the levels of circulating endocannabinoids in your body, which in turn can influence factors such as gut permeability.

The composition of fats in your diet significantly influences the levels of endocannabinoids. Additionally, certain microbes, such as the yeast Candida albicans, can affect the endocannabinoid system in animals, leading to changes in neuroendocrine levels and behaviour.

Considering the impact of endogenous cannabinoids on the gut microbiome, it raises the intriguing possibility that plant cannabinoids might have a similar effect.

Exploring the Relationship Between Plant Cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and the Gut Microbiome

The effects of THC on the brain stem from its interactions with CB1 receptors. While these receptors are concentrated in the brain, they are also present outside the nervous system. The body also possesses another crucial cannabinoid receptor, CB2, which is primarily found in immune system cells. Interactions with CB2 receptors on immune cells play a significant role in how cannabinoids like THC and CBD impact inflammation, often resulting in beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.

The gut contains a substantial number of immune cells crucial for managing gut inflammation and permeability. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause significant gut inflammation, leading to various gastrointestinal problems. IBD and other gut diseases are commonly linked to alterations in the gut microbiome.

Researchers are currently investigating plant cannabinoids such as THC and CBD for their potential in treating symptoms of gut diseases like IBD. These cannabinoids may modulate gut inflammation and potentially alter the gut microbiome.

Animal studies have shown that long-term THC use can affect immune cells in the gut and even influence the microbiome in specific areas of the GI tract in rodents. It remains unclear if these effects apply to humans, and further research is needed to determine the clinical effectiveness of plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD for gut-related diseases.

Multiple sclerosis, while not classified as a “gut disease,” is an inflammatory condition that can damage neurons throughout the body due to an autoimmune response. In animals, shifts in microbiome complexity and diversity are noted, including higher levels of the bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila. In a rodent model of multiple sclerosis, administering a THC/CBD combination reduced the levels of certain bacterial species and decreased inflammation.

Overall, there is limited information available regarding the precise impact of plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD on the microbiome. Given the significant influence of the endocannabinoid system on the gut, it is reasonable to assume that plant cannabinoids can affect the gut microbiome in various ways. The specifics are still being determined, but the method of delivery will likely be significant.

When cannabinoids such as THC are taken orally, they undergo a different metabolic process as they travel through the gastrointestinal tract compared to when they enter the bloodstream directly, such as through inhalation. It is worth noting that consuming cannabinoids orally may have a distinct impact on gut physiology compared to other methods of consumption.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.