THC may relax the colon and reduce stomach cramping after eating, according to a study presented at the 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. The study compared the effects of dronabinol (THC) and placebo on colonic motility and sensation in healthy adults.

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA, conducted a double-blind, parallel-group study of 52 volunteers who were randomly assigned placebo or a single dose of dronabinol. The researchers found that THC relaxes the colon and reduces post- eating contractions and cramping. Further, the effects were most pronounced in females. "The potential for cannabinoids to modulate colonic motor function in disease deserves a further look," said study leader Dr. Tuba Esfandyari. More at: http://www.acg.gi.org/media/releases/ACG%2006%20Cannabinoids%20and%20Stomach%20Pain.pdf

(Source: Press release by the American College of Gastroenterology of 23 October 2006)