CBD for Motion Sickness [And Sea Sickness Too]

It seems like we're constantly discovering new uses for CBD.

The latest ailment to bow to CBD’s healing power; motion sickness.

Motion sickness is a common problem that many people deal with. Whether it’s during a long car ride, a day at an amusement park, or a fishing boat ride out at sea, motion sickness can strike hard and fast.

Can CBD help fight off motion sickness? Let’s look at the science.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs due to confusion in the brain.

As the name implies - and as sufferers know - motion sickness happens when you are in motion.

Your eyes see movement, your inner ears detect motion, and other sensations of your body will detect the experiences of motion. However, other parts of your brain - like your muscles - will NOT detect motion.

This disconnect occurs when you are in a car or on a boat, and your body has to absorb confusing sensations. The end result is that your brain fires confusing and conflicting signals. This, in turn, gets you sick.

This is what we call motion sickness. When in a car we refer to it as car sickness. When on a boat, sea sickness.

Whatever you want to call it, it's never fun.

To be clear, motion sickness is not a small problem: Roughly 1 in 3 people find themselves to be likely to become motion sick. This isn't merely about being very sensitive to amusement park rides or having a hard time on rough seas. 

For many people, this disorder is much more than vaguely annoying and crosses the line into potentially debilitating.

Individuals who frequently travel in any form may find themselves in need of a solution to frequent motion sickness. Motion sickness can prevent them from traveling or cause them great distress in doing so.

If you are required to drive long distances for work, you will need something to stave off motion sickness. If you make your living by fishing, CBD for sea sickness could allow you to keep your career.

How Does CBD Help With Motion Sickness?

Studies have found that CBD could have a direct impact on the areas of the brain that deal with vomiting and nausea. These are two of the most significant and common symptoms of motion sickness. Taking CBD could reduce both of these symptoms and allow someone to better manage motion sickness.

CBD can also reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and both of these areas are often related to the production of feelings that create nausea. As studies on motion sickness have noted, motion sickness can cause anxiety. This anxiety can then contribute to the negative symptoms of motion sickness. 

What Does The Research Say? 

CBD studies have found that CBD can help individuals who are suffering from cancer or undergoing cancer treatment fight off the negative symptoms of that treatment, including nausea.

The American Cancer Society has noted that cannabinoid products are an effective treatment for nausea. That includes nausea that is caused by chemotherapy, cancer, and other cancer treatments.

Other studies have also found that CBD has the potential to help people relieve vomiting and nausea. The compound has a long history of repressing nausea and vomiting. CBD seems to have anti nausea abilities.

Other studies in animals have found that CBD can impact the levels of serotonin in the body. This promotes the compound as a healthy way of reducing nausea and vomiting.

This also explains how CBD can help to promote an overall sense of well-being. CBD reduces anxiety and improves mood. All of this could be helpful to battle motion sickness. 

Research on the topic has been limited and one study did contradict other findings. A 2008 study found that CBD could not help reduce motion sickness.

More research is unquestionably needed. A plethora of studies do imply that CBD can be helpful for people who are suffering from motion-sickness-related symptoms, including nausea. 

How Can I Take CBD for Motion Sickness?

One of the best things about CBD is that it can be taken in a variety of ways, including as an edible, topical, vaping juice, or more.

How you take it is up to you and depends on your specific set of circumstances.

Edibles are a great option, as they come in delicious gummies, but you may not want to eat anything if you are worried about motion sickness and nausea.

A good alternative is an oil tinctures, which can work very quickly - particularly if taken under the tongue. CBD oil for motion sickness is a fast acting and all-natural solution.

CBD topicals are more appropriate for targeted pain relief or skin disorders but would not help with nausea.

In terms of CBD dosage, your best bet is to take the lowest dosage recommended by the product. From there you can gradually increase the dosage until you feel the desired effect. This ensures that you minimize the risk of feeling any of CBD's negative side effects.

Final Thoughts

It goes without saying that you should talk to your doctor before trying CBD. This is true if you were to take any other new medication or supplement.

CBD, like many other supplements, may interact with medications you are taking.

According to numerous reports, including from authorities like the World Health Organization, CBD is safe, effective, non-habit forming, and well-tolerated in most people.

As is the case for most things CBD related, additional evidence is needed before more definitive statements can be made. However, there is evidence, anecdotal stories, and solid theory behind the idea that CBD can be beneficial for people who suffer from motion sickness.