Diarrhea – Cannabis Research

Description of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as the frequent passage of loose or watery stools, often accompanied by urgency, cramping, or abdominal discomfort. It occurs when the intestines move contents too quickly or fail to absorb enough fluids and nutrients, leading to increased water content in the stool. Diarrhea is broadly categorized as either acute or chronic, each with different causes, implications, and treatment approaches.

Acute Diarrhea (Lasting Less Than 14 Days)

• Most often caused by infections—including viruses (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus), bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), parasites, or fungi.


• May follow the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or result from recent travel (traveler’s diarrhea).


• Can also be triggered by certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs, chemotherapy agents) or supplements (e.g., high-dose vitamin C, magnesium, herbal laxatives).


• Self-limited in most cases, resolving once the underlying cause is eliminated.


• In some cases, particularly in young children, older adults, or those with compromised immunity—dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can become serious complications.

Chronic Diarrhea (Lasting More Than 14 Days)

Chronic diarrhea suggests underlying dysfunction in the gastrointestinal system and typically requires further evaluation. Common causes include:

• Inflammatory conditions (Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, involve immune system dysregulation.


• Functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), often associated with altered gut-brain signaling and hypersensitive motility.


• Microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) often follows antibiotic overuse, poor diet, or infections.


• Leaky gut syndrome or increased intestinal permeability can lead to immune activation and inflammation.


• Endocrine conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, or diabetes-related enteropathy.


• Malabsorption syndromes, including celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or bile acid diarrhea.


• Chronic infections (e.g., Giardia lamblia, Clostridium difficile).


• Toxins, including heavy metals or ongoing exposure to food additives.


• Stress-related or psychological factors can significantly influence gut function through the gut-brain axis.


• Post-surgical, including short-gut syndrome, or traumatic injury to the bowel, may disrupt normal digestive function.

For patients, understanding whether diarrhea is acute or chronic helps guide appropriate self-care vs. seeking medical attention. Persistent symptoms, signs of dehydration, or weight loss should always be evaluated by a clinician.

For clinicians, evaluating duration, frequency, stool characteristics, travel history, diet, medication use, and associated symptoms (e.g., blood in stool, fever, fatigue) can guide diagnosis and management. Stool studies, bloodwork, imaging, and colonoscopy may be necessary in chronic or unexplained cases.