Exploring the Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Crohn’s Disease Patients

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that affects 6 million to 8 million people worldwide. Many with the condition use prescription medications to help reduce symptoms, but these drugs can present risks, such as increased susceptibility to infection and the development of certain cancers. As a result, some patients are turning to medical marijuana. 

At MediCalm, which serves residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey via convenient telehealth appointments, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, regularly prescribes medical marijuana to Crohn’s patients. Here, learn about how cannabis may benefit people with Crohn’s disease by helping ease certain symptoms.

What science says about medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease

There is some evidence that suggests medical cannabis can help relieve symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but more research needs to be done. For example, several small studies have found that smoking marijuana improves symptoms of irritable bowel disease (the category of ailments that Crohn’s is a part of). However, the same studies found that cannabis did not reduce inflammation or help treat the disease itself.

It may be some time until more research is conducted. Because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, research faces significant hurdles, including bureaucratic delays, reduced access to cannabis products, and limited funding.

3 Crohn’s symptoms that medical marijuana may help treat

Despite these obstacles, certain Crohn’s symptoms may benefit from medical cannabis use, including:

1. Abdominal pain

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation and damage to the digestive system that can result in severe abdominal pain and cramping. Research suggests medical marijuana can serve as an effective analgesic, especially for chronic and neurogenic (nerve-related) pain.

For instance, one study published in JAMA Network Open concluded that patients who used medical marijuana to relieve chronic pain were less likely to use prescription opioids and over-the-counter pain medication.

2. Reduced appetite

More than 70% of Crohn’s disease patients who are hospitalized experience weight loss, and some others develop malnutrition, due to reduced food intake. This makes sense, considering that eating often triggers symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and cramping. 

Medical marijuana offers a natural option to increase appetite. This makes snacks and meals more appealing so it’s easier for patients to maintain weight and proper nutrition.

3. Cramping and diarrhea

Diarrhea and abdominal cramping are some of the most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but without treatment, they can make it difficult to work, run errands, or spend time with friends. Here, too, medical marijuana may provide benefits. 

One study published in the peer-reviewed journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that 76.8% of Crohn’s patients who used medical marijuana reported reduced abdominal cramping and 28.6% reported less diarrhea.

Find out if medical marijuana is right for you

Living with Crohn’s disease can be challenging, but medical marijuana may help you better manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. To explore the benefits of medical cannabis in helping you achieve better symptom relief, request a medical marijuana consultation at MediCalm. Call our appointment line at 484-440-9494 or use our online scheduler.