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Overactive Bladder: Can Marijuana Potentially Treat It?

 
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First, a disclaimer. This blog post does not endorse the use of marijuana as it is illegal; however I recently read several studies of interest on this topic.

THC, tretrahydrocannabinol, is the major active ingredient in the marijuana and well known for inducing euphoria and relaxation, as well as sedation and drowsiness. It has been used for treating nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, cancer pain and even convulsions seen with multiple sclerosis.

AJA, Ajulemic acid, is the synthetic equivalent to THC, and is a strong pain reliever an anti-inflammatory but does not have the mind altering effects the THC has. In lab studies, it mimics many of the same properties as the popular anti-inflammatories known as NSAIDs, such a motrin or naproxen. In studies on neuropathic pain and volunteers, AJA did not cause dependency after withdrawal at the end of a one-week treatment period.

So, how would AJA potentially treat overactive bladder? A recent study on rats showed that AJA was able to suppress normal bladder activity and urinary frequency induced by bladder irritants. The researchers believe that AJA blocks the outgoing pain signal from the bladder by one of the receptors it and THC can bind to in the bladder. In the experiment, two different bladder irritants were administered to rats. Bladder pressure and contractions were measured. After injection of AJA, the bladder muscle contraction intervals and bladder pressures were blocked reversing the effect of the irritants.

So what does this mean? AJA is a promising compound that can have potentially broad application in treating the pain and overactivity symptoms that occur in many bladder conditions such as overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, and perhaps even the bladder pain after surgery or urinary tract infections. One wonders if it many also be effective in not only treating the pain or symptoms after they occur but also given before to prevent them as well. Hmm….

http://www.femaleurologyaz.blogspot.com

Add a Comment25 Comments

My doctor actually mentioned this at my last appointment as an alternative if the new medication she gave me didn't work. It was Tramadol ER that I tried and it soooo did not help at all. I've done a lot of research and reading about the \"medical marijuana pill\" that she mentioned (Which is Marinol made of synthetic THC) and it really seems like it could help everything I'm dealing with now--IC, IBS, migraines, anxiety. I see her tomorrow and I think I'm going to go for it. I'll keep you guys updated!

October 7, 2015 - 12:48pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

It absolutely works for over-active bladder. I know.

September 24, 2013 - 12:08am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I can tell you first hand that I have a very active bladder, especially when drinking beer. If I drink beer, I have to pee once per beer. Last fall I smoked weed for the first time in 20 years, and continued to drink beer and the bladder urges disappeared.

July 29, 2010 - 6:18am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I don't know about this... I smoke weed all the time and I still have to pee lots. Haven't noticed a difference. But hey, maybe it's different for each person.

July 1, 2010 - 8:23am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

On the topic of driving under the influence of THC:

There have been many studies on this issue. In every study it was not only found that drivers using THC were not dangerous drivers, but that they may even be safer drivers than those that were not on ANY substance.

March 31, 2010 - 12:51am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I also smoke a couple times a day and I have found it makes me use the restroom more.
Only because I have cotton mouth, which require me to drink more, which in turn makes me pee more...Haha

March 1, 2010 - 10:17am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

i was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis at a young age. i was 17 at the time and an avid marijuana user. I found that yes, while it helped with the pain, the overactivity actually increased while under the influence because of the psychoactive properties. the same deal goes for stomach conditions. i'm in full agreement when you say that marijuana use suppresses pain, but treatments are individualized and what may help one person may not help another.

February 8, 2010 - 2:32pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

if you just smoke the marijuana enough it doesn't have mind-altering effects anymore. it makes all your pain and stress go away.

February 4, 2010 - 4:10pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Suppressing pain caused by an infection isnt a very good idea as it allows the infection to spread untreated, the pain is the body sending a warning that something is wrong an needs investigating and treating
for bladder infections it would probably be more useful to take Uva Ursi

January 21, 2010 - 1:12pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

i think your talking rubbish, i have been smoking the stuff for years and its never helped my weak bladder.

January 3, 2010 - 7:06am
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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