Vibriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio bacteria that can lead to watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, fever, and chills that last up to three days after digestion. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that this type of bacteria can also cause skin infections if it comes into contact with saltwater or brackish water. While there is no definitive treatment for vibriosis, antibiotics may be administered if the condition lasts longer than 72 hours.
As a mild bacterial infection, vibriosis does not typically require treatment beyond waiting out the symptoms. However, medical cannabis may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with the condition. Specifically, cannabis can ease cramps and nausea associated with vibriosis. A section of the book Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy is dedicated to muscle spasticity and details how specific cannabis properties, including THC, are helpful for easing cramps.
The British Journal of Pharmacology published a study in 2011 showing that medical cannabis wiped away wooziness caused by nausea. Additionally, The American Cancer Society testified that “a number of small studies of smoked marijuana found that it can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy.” The fact that medical cannabis effectively treats nausea and an upset stomach caused by digestive disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Disease further suggest that it would ease vibriosis.
There are several ways to prevent vibriosis from occurring, according to the CDC. These include avoiding raw or undercooked seafood shellfish (oysters are most often the culprit), washing hands regularly, and staying out of salt or brackish water with open wounds. One risk factor for contracting vibriosis is having a weakened immune system.
It is worth noting that while medical cannabis may provide relief from some of the symptoms associated with vibriosis, it does not offer a cure for the condition itself. Patients who suspect they have contracted vibriosis should seek medical attention promptly to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, while antibiotics may be administered if vibriosis lasts longer than 72 hours, there is no definitive treatment for this bacterial infection aside from waiting out the symptoms. Medical cannabis may help ease cramps and nausea associated with vibriosis, though it should not be considered a cure for the condition itself. Prevention methods such as avoiding raw or undercooked seafood shellfish, washing hands regularly, and staying out of salt or brackish water with open wounds can help reduce the risk of contracting vibriosis in the first place.
