Medical Cannabis For Crohn’s Disease: What You Need To Know
The information provided in this blog is for educational or informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Medical cannabis for Crohn’s disease: What is Crohn’s?
Chron’s disease is a lifelong condition and is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in different parts of the digestive system.
It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus but commonly affects the end of the small bowel (ileum) and the beginning of the colon.
There are several types of Crohn’s disease, but Ileocolitis is the most common. This condition affects the terminal ileum (the end of the small intestine) and the large intestine, also known as the colon. Symptoms include cramping, pain in the middle or lower right part of the abdomen, diarrhoea and significant weight loss.
A 2022 study revealed that 1 in 123 people are living with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis – another type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease where the colon and rectum become inflamed.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s?
Crohn’s disease affects people of all ages but the symptoms usually start in childhood or early adulthood. The main symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach aches and cramps, blood in your poo, tiredness and weight loss.
A Crohn’s flare-up can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the episode.
Can Crohn’s be treated?
GPs can prescribe medication to Crohn’s patients to help manage their symptoms. However, some patients continue to experience ongoing symptoms despite medical treatment.
Can medical cannabis improve Crohn’s disease symptoms?
Studies have explored the potential therapeutic properties of cannabis that could help relieve Crohn’s symptoms. Whilst more research is needed to confirm the benefits, medical cannabis for Crohn’s patients may help to manage otherwise debilitating symptoms. Mamedica supports patients with gastroenterological conditions that have not found traditional medication and treatments effective. Find out what conditions we can help with here.
THC – one of the most well-known cannabinoids in the body – can help to alleviate nausea and chronic pain whilst improving appetite. Another well-known cannabinoid, CBD, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and chronic pain associated with Crohn’s.
Medical cannabis can be useful when first and second-line treatments have not adequately controlled the symptoms or when the condition is in remission.
Am I eligible for medical cannabis?
To be eligible for medical cannabis for Chron’s disease, you must have tried two types of medication, treatments or therapies that have been ineffective.
To find out if medical cannabis could be an option for you, a loved one or a patient, take our eligibility test in under 60 seconds.