Your medical cannabis journey simplified: find partnered dispensaries, explore pricing options, earn rewards, and get answers to FAQs, all in one spot.
The anti-nausea and vomiting effects of cannabis have been known for several centuries. The evidence eventually became so compelling in clinical trials that Delta 9 THC was actually replicated in a lab and then FDA-approved in the 80s for cancer patients receiving chemo. Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy when other medications haven’t worked represent one of two FDA-approved indications for synthetic THC.
Dronabinol and nabilone are synthetic delta-9-THC medications that have been licensed and approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting since 1986 (Integrative Cancer Therapies). Looking back, this was an important advancement but still short-sighted because lab-synthesized THC misses out on the entourage effect between all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in whole plant medicine.
Fast forward to 2017, when the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that oral cannabinoids are effective antiemetics and that some of the strongest clinical evidence was in adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (NASEM). New data shows that it likely has more to do with THC’s direct effect on CB1 receptors and somewhat with CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors, TRPV1 receptors, and the FAAH enzyme.
While the rest of the plant was left behind for a time, new research is shining light on “minor” or rare cannabinoids that may help with nausea. The nausea-relieving evidence is still limited at this time, but the list currently includes:
While newcomers to cannabis use may think of the plant as a monolith, the truth is that different strains of the cannabis plant can help you achieve vastly different results. In part, this is due to differences in cannabinoid profile, and in larger part, it lies in their terpene profile, according to researchers. While terpenes have not been directly studied in the context of nausea, they are still believed to contribute to the entourage effect.
If you’re using cannabis for medicinal purposes related to nausea or vomiting, it is most likely due to receiving chemotherapy or a gut health condition. You should talk to your oncologist or gastroenterologist about medical cannabis first before deciding to self-medicate.
People with gut health issues like IBD or IBS commonly use medical cannabis for nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. After talking to your doctor or specialist, it’s fine to do your research or consult with someone in the know to find a strain that’s going to best suit your needs.
At this stage, it is not advisable or known to be safe for pregnant women to use cannabis for nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness. If pregnant, you should always ask your OB/GYN about those concerns.
Even recreational users would be well served by reading up on what’s available and choosing a strain that’s going to deliver the experience they want to have. An important caveat for recreational consumers is the paradoxical cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
Just as long as you’re careful not to ingest too many edibles or smoke too much concentrate at once, this dilemma should be easily avoidable. If you do develop nausea and vomiting after too much cannabis, you should seek local medical treatment to prevent dehydration complications.
See If You Qualify For Medical Marijuana -Select Your State!
Research also supports the notion that inhaling cannabis may be better for people with nausea because they simply can’t tolerate things by mouth, and inhaling is easier to self-titrate with less of a risk of overdoing it (British Journal of Pharmacology). Here are some cannabis strains that may work well for combattingnausea.
Blueberry Diesel
Blueberry Diesel is an indica-dominant strain made by crossing two other strains—Blueberry and Sour Diesel. It’s known for its relaxing qualities, making it a perfect choice for those looking to let go of a little tension. That same tension relief is what makes it so perfect for both appetite stimulation and nausea abatement. The terpenes from its parent strain, Sour Diesel, are known to include limonene, humulene, nerolidol, pinene, ocimene, and borneol and are likely passed off to some degree.
Lavender
Lavender just sounds chill, and that’s because it is. Named for its lavender scent, it provides a powerful body high, making it the perfect tool to relieve anxiety and nausea. Be mindful before you use Lavender that it has a very high THC level—about 27%. It’s not the right choice if you’re looking to get a lot done, but if you’re ready to lose yourself in restful sleep, Lavender will send you on your way. The characteristic scent of lavender is most likely due to the abundance of the floral terpene linalool.
White Fire OG #2
For a different experience from what Lavender can provide, check out White Fire OG #2. It’s a hybrid, but in this strain, sativa is dominant, so it’ll let you go about your day without getting worn out or slowed down. The blend of The White and Fire OG Kush is a great choice for those who need help with nausea earlier in the day or who prefer sativa experiences generally. Coincidentally with the strain above, linalool is also known to be present in high amounts in this strain.
Headband
Headband is named for a common feeling of pressure on the forehead that users report after taking a few hits. But that’s not the only thing you’ll feel. Choose Headband for nighttime use or use during the day at home—it’s got a cerebral, trippy effect that can leave users feeling spaced out. This is a good one if your nausea is caused by migraines, and it’s also great for those who enjoy vegging out in front of the TV after a smoke.
Interestingly, Headband is known to be high in a terpene called geraniol, which carries a fragrance of roses and, according to a human pilot study, may be gastroprotective against gut dysbiosis and IBS symptoms (BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies)
Grand Daddy Grape
Also known as Grand Daddy Purple, this strain is a real heavy hitter that’ll leave you with feelings of euphoria and a relaxing body high. This strain is often used by and recommended for chemotherapy patients because it’s been shown to help with not just nausea but depression as well.
If you’re in consultation with a medical professional about cannabis for nausea, be sure to ask them for their recommendations first. And if you have a favorite strain for nausea that we didn’t mention here, please let us know in the comments. We’d love to know what else is working for you!
Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.
This article was originally published on 12/21/20. Updated on 5/24/23.
Kat Helgeson comes from a ten year career in social media marketing and content creation. She takes pride in her ability to communicate the culture and values of an organization via the written word. Kat is also the author of numerous books for young adults. Her titles have received the Junior Library Guild Award, the Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year Distinction, and been featured on the Illinois Reads selection list. Her work has been translated into Dutch and German.
Have you ever consumed cannabis and gotten a little too high for your liking? Or have you ever needed to calm down a friend who consumed too much weed for their tolerance level? If so, we’ve got you covered. Although an overdose (taking more than what is medically recommended) of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is not…
Cannabis tinctures are relatively new on the scene compared to the long, thousands-year-old history of the cannabis plant itself. It was first recognized for its medicinal use in European medicine in 1839, and by 1851, medicinal cannabis tinctures had made their way into a drug almanac known as the United States Pharmacopeia. Despite prohibition throughout…
When Piper Lindeen’s son Zach began showing medical issues at just three years old, no one suspected a rare, severe form of epilepsy. Doctors initially didn’t recognize his symptoms as seizures. Eventually, they diagnosed Zach with epilepsy—but by then, his condition had worsened from a few seizures a week to several each day. As it…
Though it may not be as widely discussed as other major health concerns like heart disease or cancer, liver disease is a common health condition that affects millions of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently 4.5 million adults who have been diagnosed with liver disease living in…
Over the years, Hollywood has had a mixed relationship with cannabis. Portrayals have run the gamut from weed as the devil’s lettuce, able to ruin your life and destroy your mind after just a single puff, to a beneficial, life-giving MacGuffin. Because American audiences have such wide-ranging attitudes towards weed— according to the Pew Research…
The statements made regarding cannabis products on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cannabis is not an FDA-approved substance and is still illegal under federal law. The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. We strongly recommend that you consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before using any cannabis products. The use of any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.