Motion sickness and cannabis

Researchers define motion sickness as extreme dizziness and nausea that occur as a result of movement in space. Individuals generally experience this phenomenon during car, train, or boat travel. Motion sickness affects an untold number of people worldwide. And although it is not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort.

According to the National Library of Medicine In the United States, about 33% of people are "highly susceptible" to motion sickness.

Motion sickness may be more common in certain groups of people for reasons researchers are unable to determine. For example, women are more likely to experience motion sickness than men. Similarly, people who suffer from migraines, including vestibular migraine (an balance disorder), are more exposed.

There are remedies for motion sickness, but prescription medications can have serious side effects. Recently, research has suggested that CBD may be a viable alternative for treating certain symptoms. The science behind these claims will be examined and discussed.

Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses.

Motion sickness does not have a precise cause, and the triggers can vary from person to person. Some people can fly without being affected, while others may feel sick under the same circumstances.

Motion sickness can occur at any age, but it is more common in children aged two and older. While most people grow out of this problem, some do not.

Motion sickness occurs when contradictory messages are sent to the central nervous system. For example, a person may experience dizziness when trying to read a book while traveling in a car. Their skin receptors and inner ear perceive movement, but their eyes only perceive the stationary pages of the book. This conflicting information causes nausea, dizziness, and in some cases, vomiting.

The above is a relatively simple explanation. However, according to a 2014 article by James R. Lackner, published in Experimental Brain Research, motion sickness is «more than nausea and vomiting.» He describes this ailment as a «complex syndrome» that includes far more symptoms than vomiting and nausea. According to Lackner, sleep deprivation may increase susceptibility to this condition.

In her article, Lackner mentions other symptoms of motion sickness. Other symptoms of motion sickness:

• Drowsiness
• An increase in salivation
• Intense pain
• Skin color changes
• Headaches
• Cold sweats

It is interesting to note that Lackner also wrote that «sopite syndrome» is a rarely recognized aspect of motion sickness. This syndrome describes the persistent fatigue and drowsiness that follow brief exposure to low-intensity motion stimulation or «highly provocative» stimulation. The syndrome may also include yawning and can last for hours or even days. Mr. Lackner also believes that most cases of motion sickness go unrecognized, meaning that 33 % could be a conservative estimate.

In most cases, motion sickness is benign and can be self-treated. If people suffering from motion sickness experience a severe episode that threatens to worsen, they may need to consult a specialist in ear diseases, balance problems, and the nervous system. When attempting to diagnose the condition, the doctor asks questions about the symptoms and tries to determine when the patient encounters the problem.

Conventional treatments for motion sickness

There is a wide variety of over-the-counter medications for motion sickness. Consumers are supposed to take these medications up to 60 minutes before traveling. Each of the medications listed above is an antihistamine, the main side effect of which is drowsiness. Therefore, people suffering from motion sickness should not take them if they are driving or operating heavy machinery.

Among other medications, there is scopolamine, one of the most regularly prescribed drugs, which should be used before the onset of symptoms. People suffering from motion sickness can also purchase scopolamine in patch form, which should be placed behind the ear 6 to 8 hours before departure. Side effects include dizziness, agitation, drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, and pupil dilation.

There is also promethazine, which is usually taken two hours before travel and can last up to 8 hours.

Finally, cyclizine is a medication that works best when taken 30 minutes before travel. Its side effects are similar to scopolamine.

Living with motion sickness

There is no known cure for motion sickness, although it can be prevented and its symptoms treated. The best form of treatment is prevention, which means people should not read while traveling. They should keep their eyes fixed on the distance and sit in places where there is as little motion as possible. For example, it is advisable to sit in a seat located near the wings of an airplane.

Other tips:

• People should try to look at the horizon in the direction of travel. This action can help reset the inner sense of balance.
• They should close their eyes during the trip and take a nap if possible.
• Chewing gum can prevent motion sickness. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be gum. Chewing candy can have the same effect.
• Ginger can also help fight motion sickness. If fresh ginger isn't available, tablets can also do the trick.
• Fresh air can also have an effect by clearing unpleasant odors from the air, a factor that can exacerbate feelings of nausea.

Sure, CBD can alleviate symptoms that occur due to motion sickness.

How does CBD help combat motion sickness?

Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), researchers know that this network of cannabinoid receptor sites plays an important role in regulating nausea and vomiting.

According to several studies, CBD indirectly activates 5-hydroxytryptamine (also known as 5-HT1A), a unique compound that reduces the sensation of nausea and the accompanying vomiting reflex.

CBD and Motion Sickness – The Research

In 2010, a team of German researchers examined blood samples from volunteers before, during, and after parabolic flight maneuvers. Parabolic flight consists of simulating the weightlessness of space travel. The researchers simulated this phenomenon by having an airplane dive steeply for about 30 seconds. It then pulls up sharply for another 30 seconds before descending rapidly.

In general, this type of training involves three «sets» of 10 descents. Many trained astronauts find this exercise difficult. Astronauts who participated in this activity experienced vomiting and nausea. The sickest members of the crew were those with the lowest levels of cannabinoids in their bodies. Those who were not sick had much higher cannabinoid levels.

A 2014 study by Zheng et al, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, investigated the effects of dexamethasone. This is a steroid that prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation in the body. The study found that a reduction in motion sickness symptoms could occur by enhancing the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in rats.

Given the link between the ECS and cannabinoids present in hemp and marijuana, such as CBD and THC, this could be another sign of CBD's effectiveness.

Why choose CBD for motion sickness?

A potential reason to consider CBD for motion sickness is that consumers have reported that CBD for nausea works fast and is effective. People taking over-the-counter or prescription medication say that they can help to prevent motion sickness if they take them at least 30 minutes before traveling (though 60 minutes is the recommended time). CBD edibles or vaping CBD theoretically offer even faster results.

The antiemetic properties of CBD make it ideal for nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, which often accompany motion sickness.

Although there is no definitive proof that CBD is an effective treatment for motion sickness, studies show that it may help alleviate some of its symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

Final thoughts on CBD and motion sickness

There are currently only a handful of studies on the impact of CBD on motion sickness. To date, the results are promising, but experts need more research. Nevertheless, people experiencing motion sickness can still use CBD as an option.