Cannabis for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Commonly known as heartburn and acid reflux disease, this illness is due to damage of the esophageal mucous membrane and the esophageal sphincter. Damage occurs when stomach acid reaches the lower part of the esophagus.

Under normal conditions, the esophageal sphincter opens to allow food and drink to enter the stomach but closes right after to prevent stomach acid from affecting the tissue above. In GERD, however, the closing action is temporarily incomplete, allowing acid to reach unprotected tissue and cause damage.