Can cannabis help constipation?

Constipation is something most people experience at some point, but that doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable. Feeling bloated, sluggish or struggling to empty your bowels properly can have a real impact on your day-to-day life, especially when symptoms keep coming back.

While constipation can often be managed with simple diet changes or medication, some people continue to struggle despite trying the usual options. However, as awareness of medical cannabis grows in the UK, patients are beginning to ask whether it could help with constipation or with the conditions that sit behind it.

In this guide, we look at what causes constipation, the most common treatment options available, and what current research says about the potential role of medical cannabis in digestive health.

What causes constipation​?

Constipation generally refers to infrequent bowel movements, hard or dry stools, or difficulty passing stools. For most people, it develops gradually rather than suddenly and is often linked to lifestyle habits or underlying health conditions.

Diet plays a major role. Not eating enough fibre can slow digestion and lead to harder stools that are difficult to pass. Fibre is found in foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses, all of which help keep bowel movements regular. Fluid intake is equally important, as dehydration can cause stools to become dry and compacted.

Physical activity also affects bowel function. A sedentary lifestyle can slow the movement of food through the digestive tract, increasing the likelihood of constipation. Changes in routine, stress, travel or regularly ignoring the urge to use the toilet can also contribute.

In some cases, constipation is linked to medications, including opioid painkillers, antidepressants and iron supplements. Certain medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neurological disorders or hormonal imbalances, can also interfere with normal bowel function.

How to treat constipation​

For most people, constipation can be managed with relatively simple lifestyle changes. These are usually recommended before medication is considered.

Increasing fibre intake gradually can help stools retain water and move more easily through the bowel. Drinking more fluids, particularly water, is important alongside this. Gentle, regular exercise such as walking can also help stimulate bowel movement.

Establishing a consistent toilet routine may improve symptoms, especially going to the toilet at the same time each day and not rushing or straining. Many people find that using the toilet after meals is helpful, as digestion naturally stimulates bowel activity.

If these measures are not effective, laxatives may be recommended. These include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives that draw water into the bowel, or stimulant laxatives used short term. For chronic constipation, prescription medications may be required.

Although these treatments work well for many people, some experience side effects such as bloating, cramping or reliance on long-term laxative use. This has led some patients to explore alternative or supportive approaches.

Is medical cannabis good for constipation?

Medical cannabis is prescribed in the UK for certain conditions when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. It contains cannabinoids, mainly THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating digestion, gut movement and pain signalling. Because of this, researchers have explored whether cannabinoids could influence bowel function.

At present, there is limited clinical evidence to support medical cannabis as a direct treatment for constipation alone. Cannabis does not act as a laxative, and its effects on digestion can vary from person to person.

Some patients report that medical cannabis helps relieve symptoms associated with constipation rather than constipation itself. This may include reduced abdominal pain, less cramping, or improved comfort where constipation is linked to chronic pain, neurological conditions or side effects from opioid medication.

However, cannabis can also slow gut motility in some people, particularly products that are high in THC. This means that in certain cases, symptoms of constipation could worsen rather than improve.

For this reason, medical cannabis is not typically prescribed specifically for constipation. It may be considered where constipation forms part of a wider, treatment-resistant condition and where conventional therapies have not been effective.

How does cannabis affect the digestive system​?

The digestive tract contains a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors. These receptors help regulate how quickly food moves through the gut, how the gut responds to pain, and how much fluid is secreted into the bowel.

Cannabis may influence digestion by altering gut motility, reducing pain signalling and affecting inflammation within the digestive tract. CBD, in particular, has shown anti-inflammatory properties in early research, while THC has a stronger effect on gut movement and nerve signalling.

For some patients, this may help ease discomfort or muscle tension in the abdomen. For others, especially those with already slow bowel movement, these effects may not be beneficial.

CBD-dominant products are often considered better tolerated for digestive symptoms, as they are less likely to significantly slow gut motility. The overall effect depends on the balance of cannabinoids, dosage, method of administration and individual response.

Final thoughts…

Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment for constipation. Dietary changes, hydration, physical activity and standard medical treatments remain the most effective options for the majority of people.

That said, for some patients with complex conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation or neurological dysfunction, medical cannabis may offer indirect benefits as part of a wider treatment plan.

Anyone experiencing persistent constipation should seek medical advice to identify the underlying cause. A specialist clinician can help determine whether medical cannabis may be appropriate, taking into account symptoms, medical history and current treatments.

As research continues, our understanding of cannabinoids and digestive health is likely to develop further. For now, medical cannabis remains a potential option for selected patients, rather than a general treatment for constipation.

If constipation is part of a wider condition that has not responded to conventional treatment, you may be eligible for medical cannabis - checking your eligibility with a specialist clinic is the first step to understanding your options.

Get in touch today to find out more.