Marijuana and Crohn's Disease: Could Cannabis Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms?
Cannabis, a plant known for its phytocannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), has been a subject of interest in the medical community, particularly in relation to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease, a type of IBD, causes inflammation in the digestive tract. While some preliminary studies suggest that cannabis may offer relief from symptoms such as nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain or cramping, and reduce inflammation, the evidence is not yet conclusive.
Dosing for cannabis to address IBD-related symptoms can be difficult to determine and depends on various factors. It's crucial to opt for high-quality cannabis brands that have been third-party tested to ensure accuracy in cannabinoid potency. However, it's important to note that THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis, is not legal in all 50 states and is not legal at the federal level.
The use of cannabis to treat Crohn's disease should only be done under a doctor's care. In a 2017 study, 20 participants received either 10 milligrams (mg) of oral CBD or a placebo, but CBD was found to be safe to take and had no beneficial effects. A 2013 placebo study showed that five people in the THC group went into remission, but it's impossible to say if the THC was the reason for the improvements.
A more recent double-blind study in 2021 assessed the effects of cannabis on people with Crohn's disease and found that the participants who had the cannabis treatment had an improved quality of life, but there were no major changes in endoscopic scores or inflammation.
While the benefits of cannabis in managing Crohn's disease are not yet definitively proven, it's clear that more research is needed. Larger patient groups and nonsmoking trials are required to provide stronger evidence of the benefits of cannabis in treating Crohn's disease. Additionally, more research is needed to show how isolated CBD can improve Crohn's symptoms compared to other phytocannabinoids.
It's also important to note that long-term smoking of cannabis is linked to cardiovascular and respiratory issues. Finding the right diet can help manage Crohn's symptoms, with a focus on avoiding hard-to-digest fibers, lactose, fried foods, saturated fats, sugars, alcohol, caffeine, and super spicy food. Other treatment options for Crohn's disease include biologics, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and finding the right cannabis product and dosage.
However, it's crucial to remember that not all cannabis products accurately report the cannabinoid potency or list all of the cannabinoids present in a product. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid cannabis use due to potential risks to the baby. Side effects of cannabis use can include anxiety, bad mood, nausea, vomiting, impaired short-term memory, impaired coordination, difficulty concentrating, and altered judgment.
Recent research on cannabis and Crohn's disease includes clinical trials and observational studies investigating symptom relief, inflammation reduction, and quality of life improvements, with some studies showing cannabis may help reduce symptoms but more rigorous clinical evidence is still needed. As the field of medical cannabis continues to evolve, it's essential to approach this topic with a critical and informed perspective.
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