CBD Relieves Gastroparesis Symptoms Despite Slowing Stomach Emptying
What Researchers Found About Gastroparesis and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2023
Researchers
Multiple institutions (USA)
Study Type
Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants
44 patients · 4 weeks
Key Finding
CBD provides symptom relief in patients with gastroparesis and improves the tolerance of liquid nutrient intake, despite slowing of gastric emptying.
Key Finding: CBD provides symptom relief in patients with gastroparesis and improves the tolerance of liquid nutrient intake, despite slowing of gastric emptying.
What Researchers Studied About Gastroparesis and Cannabis
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, and inability to eat normally. CBD is known to reduce gut sensation and inflammation.
This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of pharmaceutical CBD (Epidiolex) in patients with idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis.
Patients had documented delayed gastric emptying of solids. CBD was escalated to 20 mg/kg/day over 4 weeks.
How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted
44 patients were enrolled: 32 with idiopathic gastroparesis, 6 with type 1 diabetes, and 6 with type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms were assessed using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary.
Researchers also measured gastric volumes and performed satiation tests to assess volume to comfortable fullness and maximum tolerance. Patients underwent FAAH and CNR1 genotyping.
Gastroparesis Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 195% completed 4 weeks of treatment and diaries
- 2CBD reduced total Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index score (P = .008)
- 3CBD reduced inability to finish a normal-sized meal (P = .029)
- 4CBD reduced vomiting episodes per 24 hours (P = .006)
- 5CBD reduced overall symptom severity (P = .034)
- 6Patients on CBD had higher volume to comfortable fullness and maximum tolerance
- 7Paradoxically, CBD SLOWED gastric emptying (yet improved symptoms)
- 8FAAH rs34420 genotype significantly impacted nutrient drink ingestion
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 44 patients | Adults with idiopathic (32) or diabetic (12) gastroparesis |
| P = .006 | Statistical significance of reduction in vomiting episodes with CBD |
| P = .008 | Statistical significance of overall symptom improvement with CBD |
| 95% | Completion rate for 4-week treatment period |
Adults with idiopathic (32) or diabetic (12) gastroparesis
Statistical significance of reduction in vomiting episodes with CBD
Statistical significance of overall symptom improvement with CBD
Completion rate for 4-week treatment period
What This Means for Gastroparesis Patients
If you have gastroparesis, CBD may help with your symptoms even though it works in an unexpected way.
In this trial, CBD significantly reduced overall symptoms (P = .008), vomiting (P = .006), and improved ability to finish meals (P = .029).
Interestingly, CBD actually slowed stomach emptying further, yet patients felt better and could tolerate more food. This suggests CBD may work by reducing gut sensitivity rather than speeding up digestion.
The most common side effects were diarrhea (14 patients), fatigue (8), headache (8), and nausea (7).
This is a small trial, but it suggests CBD could be an option for gastroparesis patients who have not found relief with standard treatments.
Quick Answers: Gastroparesis and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Can CBD help with gastroparesis?
Yes. A 2023 RCT of 44 patients found pharmaceutical CBD significantly improved gastroparesis symptoms: overall score (P = .008), vomiting (P = .006), and ability to finish meals (P = .029). Effects occurred despite CBD slowing stomach emptying.
Source: Zheng et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2023 (PMID: 37482172)
How does CBD help stomach problems?
CBD appears to reduce gut sensation and inflammation. In a gastroparesis trial, CBD actually slowed stomach emptying yet improved symptoms, suggesting it works by reducing sensitivity to fullness rather than speeding digestion.
Source: Zheng et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2023 (PMID: 37482172)
What dose of CBD is used for gastroparesis?
20 mg/kg/day escalated over 4 weeks. Pharmaceutical CBD (Epidiolex) at this dose showed significant symptom improvements, though 5 of 44 patients could not tolerate full dose escalation.
Source: Zheng et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2023 (PMID: 37482172)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Small sample size (44 patients)
- Short duration (4 weeks)
- 5 patients could not tolerate full dose escalation
- Paradoxical effect (slows emptying but improves symptoms) needs more study
- Genetic factors (FAAH genotype) may affect response
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Gastroparesis
This RCT found pharmaceutical CBD (Epidiolex) significantly improved gastroparesis symptoms: overall symptom score (P = .008), vomiting (P = .006), and ability to finish meals (P = .029). Paradoxically, CBD slowed gastric emptying yet patients felt better, suggesting it works by reducing gut sensitivity. Common side effects were diarrhea, fatigue, and headache.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Gastroparesis, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
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Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Zheng T, BouSaba J, Taylor A, et al. "A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol in Idiopathic and Diabetic Gastroparesis" Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.07.008
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Gastroparesis
Does CBD help gastroparesis?
Yes, according to this RCT of 44 patients. CBD significantly reduced overall symptoms (P = .008), vomiting episodes (P = .006), and improved ability to finish meals (P = .029). Interestingly, it worked despite slowing stomach emptying.
What are the side effects of CBD for gastroparesis?
Diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and nausea were most common. In this trial, 14 patients had diarrhea, 8 had fatigue, 8 had headache, and 7 had nausea. Five patients could not tolerate the full dose escalation.
How does CBD help with stomach problems?
CBD appears to work by reducing gut sensation and inflammation rather than speeding up digestion. In this trial, CBD actually slowed gastric emptying but still improved symptoms, suggesting it reduces sensitivity to stomach fullness.