OFM HEALTH

GREENGOING

Nutrition & Cannabis

by Zachari Breeding, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, FAND

Cannabis use has inarguably sky-rocketed throughout the country, with more states legalizing both recreational and/or medical use. While this is definitely something to celebrate for a variety of reasons, we can’t assume there are no side effects of frequent cannabis use. Just like food, what we put into our bodies has indirect and direct impacts on how our bodies function. Emerging research of the endocannabinoid system sheds some light on cannabis’ impact, but we must also recognize the inherent limitations of the research available.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

This system includes both endocannabinoids and the receptors they bind to (such as CB1 and CB2 receptors) in order to perform different “tasks” within the body. The most common endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG. These endocannabinoids play a role in regulating information sent to the brain, urination frequency, blood vessel elasticity, sleep, inflammation, pain, and anxiety— just to name a few. There are other compounds such as flavonoids and terpenes, however significant research is lacking on their exact mechanisms of action. The role any endocannabinoid plays has everything to do with the receptor it binds to and the location of said receptor (i.e. binding to CB1 is different than binding to CB2). Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in specific regions of the body to complete their “task,” but overall, the goal is balance. Meaning, the natural release of endocannabinoids (not from external use of cannabis) helps to regulate things such as normal appetite, healthy sleeping patterns, natural healing, immune support, etc. If we look at this in the context of depression and serotonin, many people produce and release enough serotonin to prevent depression symptoms. When someone doesn’t have enough serotonin production/ release, depression ensues. Similarly, many people may not produce enough internal endocannabinoids, which can potentially be a cause for poor sleeping patterns, anxiety, inflammation, etc. With this in mind, just like someone with depression may take a serotonin-regulating medication, cannabis use offers an additional means of promoting endocannabinoids that can help to regulate

many of the systems in which it plays a role. The potential issues lie in excessive use of cannabis, which can overstimulate the endocannabinoid system, and results in the feeling of being “stoned,” extreme euphoria, and for others, paranoia and anxiety. Can cannabis use help or hinder my nutrition?

One of the issues with the research that exists is the reliance on a consistent product—cannabis—which currently comes from only one research facility in the U.S. Limited product effectively means research is slow to come out, especially when considering the federal illegality of cannabis. This doesn’t mean you can’t search for “research” on the web about cannabis. Like many other areas of nutrition, there is an abundance of misinformation out there. However, we can draw some possible connections with what we know presently: Diet

Since we can draw the anti-inflammatory connection with cannabis use, it doesn’t make sense to consume pro-inflammatory foods such as: processed meats (i.e. bacon, smoked meats, lunch meats), simple sugars, and fried foods. Choose anti-inflammatory foods including fruits, vegetables, Omega-3 rich fishes (i.e. salmon and tuna), unsaturated fats (i.e. avocado, olive oil, nuts/ seeds), and complex carbohydrates (i.e. lentils, beans, oats, quinoa). There is no shake or substitution for nutrient-dense eating. Exercise

For some individuals, use of cannabis prior to weightbearing exercises can promote focus, recovery, and potentially longer lifting periods. Because of the antiinflammatory, pain-relieving, and muscle-relaxing benefits, individuals who exercise while high may increase their risk of straining and injuries, since their body is not triggering a cue of “going too far.” Although recovery may also be enhanced with cannabis use, it is important to know one’s limits to prevent serious injury. Appetite

So many people eat one to two meals per day; this does not optimize one’s nutrition. The body’s metabolism needs fuel (i.e. food) to operate efficiently, which requires regular meal/snack periods throughout the day. For some, this might be related to an imbalance in hunger/satiety hormones, which may be corrected with cannabis use. Once the body is accustomed to eating regularly, natural release of these hormones allows the person to eat intuitively and listen to their bodies without overindulging. Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)

There are a ton of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gut, which allow the role of cannabis to act as a potential anti-inflammatory. Use of cannabis may help reduce IBD symptoms such as cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and pain. Interestingly, research exists to show a relationship between a dysfunctional endocannabinoid system and IBD development. The role of nutrition in cannabis use should be to eat the foods that support, not hinder, the intended benefit. There is no research or information directing someone toward a “preferred” method of consuming cannabis— whether it be vaped, smoked, or eaten. We do know that certain populations should not use cannabis, including children and those who are pregnant, unless directed by a qualified physician. It is also not recommended to smoke any substance for those with lung diseases such as cancer, asthma, or cystic fibrosis. However, cannabis use may play a beneficial role for many others. Engaging in a conversation with a registered dietitian can help navigate the best way to optimize your nutrition while enjoying the benefits of cannabis.