Medical cannabis is increasingly recognized for its versatile benefits that extend to the management of a range of diseases and conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases. Approximately 15% of IBD patients use medical cannabis to manage their symptoms.
While more research into the benefits of medical cannabis is needed, patients report that medical cannabis improves Crohn’s symptoms.
At Medicus Cannabus, board-certified physician and osteopathic specialist James O. Hill II, DO, possesses unique expertise in the benefits of medical cannabis, and creates individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve relief.
Cannabis contains more than 540 chemical compounds, including cannabinoids, which influence factors like pain, inflammation, mood, and appetite.
The two most recognized cannabinoids are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the latter of which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s this component of cannabis that offers benefits for inflammatory conditions, such as IBD.
Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in specific areas of the digestive tract. While the exact cause of Crohn’s remains unclear, it’s linked to overactivity of the immune system.
Crohn’s symptoms vary, however, many patients experience:
Many patients with Crohn’s disease experience periods of remission, and periods of flare-ups. While there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease, the goal of treatment is to control symptoms, and extend periods of remission.
Patients with Crohn’s disease reported that medical cannabis significantly improved symptoms of nausea, pain, fatigue, and depression, according to a small study. The participants also reported an improvement in activity levels. Because they felt better, patients functioned better and these improvements resulted in an improved quality of life.
Reducing inflammation is the foundation of managing IBD symptoms. Medical cannabis is increasingly being researched for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Researchers found that cannabinoids in medical cannabis protect against inflammation in the colon. The endogenous cannabinoid system represents a promising target for managing intestinal diseases that involve chronic inflammation, according to the authors of the study.
An observational study focusing on the effects of cannabis on Crohn’s disease found that cannabis helped to reduce disease activity in patients with Crohn’s disease. Among the improvements, patients experienced a reduction in bowel frequency.
The authors of the study suggested several reasons for this improvement, including the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids and the general feelings of well-being linked to cannabis.
Another study found that participants using medical cannabis experienced remission of their Crohn’s symptoms and noted improvements in appetite.
Taking control of your health means exploring all options. If you're navigating life with Crohn’s disease and struggling to get your symptoms under control, medical cannabis could offer an alternative path to symptom relief. Contact us in Port St. Lucie and Lake City, Florida, to explore this adjunct office as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
