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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Smoking Cure Constipation Problems?

Hi there,

I have never been a heavy smoker, with ciggereates that is.

I have been self medicating myself with marijuana since highschool, and I am currently 21.

I would just like to know, will 5-6 ciggerates a day do any harm? I am not addicted, but I am self medicating with some constipation issues I have been having, and I find 5-6 ciggerates realy can make a difference.

I do not smoke ciggerates as often when I using marijuana to self medicate though, since I find that helps with constipation just as much if not more.

I purchased a herbal vaporizer just so I would not be at risk of the dangers of smoking, since I use marijuana multiple times a day.

I can easily quit smoking as long as I have marijuana, but if I smoke 5-6 for a month or two, there is no real harm right?

Many people who can control the amount they smoke like me, do not get addicted, and 5-6 is really not a lot.

I am not a chain smoker, and usually smoke ciggerates when I am up late at night feeling discomfort from constipation.

The constipation is caused by my opiate pain medication that I got from an accident I had 2 years ago.

Thanks.
Mon, 14 Mar 2016
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Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Nicotine changes the tone of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the active ingredient in cigarettes that would affect constipation. There are medications that are safe and in known quantities BOTH for the relief specifically of narcotic induced constipation (which is indeed NOT a sign of addiction) and for giving nicotine (over the counter nicotine is quite safe and you'd be able to see if it worked). You'd have a new drug if it worked.
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Does Smoking Cure Constipation Problems?

Nicotine changes the tone of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the active ingredient in cigarettes that would affect constipation. There are medications that are safe and in known quantities BOTH for the relief specifically of narcotic induced constipation (which is indeed NOT a sign of addiction) and for giving nicotine (over the counter nicotine is quite safe and you d be able to see if it worked). You d have a new drug if it worked.