This 2006 paper provided a great overview of what was currently known about the influence of the body's endocannabinoid system on the gastrointestinal tract, noting that marijuana has been used for centuries for gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea. This is because tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids seem to lower both the inflammation and the gastric and enteric secretions of the gastrointestinal tract, allowing sufferers to find relief. The authors considered these to be "protective activities."
