Medicinal Cannabis for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

This Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Month, we’re inviting all our healthcare partners to take up the opportunity to further their understanding of these complex inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and explore how medicinal cannabis can play a role in symptom management.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterised by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.¹ Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and often leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Ulcerative colitis specifically affects the colon and rectum, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, urgency to have bowel movements, and rectal bleeding. Both conditions can vary in severity and may result in complications affecting other parts of the body. ²

Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties of cannabinoids, highlighting their therapeutic potential in alleviating symptoms associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis, exhibit promising effects in reducing inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract and modulating the immune response implicated in IBD pathogenesis.³

Additionally, cannabis-based medications offer an alternative for patients experiencing inadequate symptom control or adverse effects from traditional therapies.

Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Month is a perfect opportunity for healthcare professionals to take the time to discuss the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis with their IBD patients. Helpful conversations, grounded in evidence, can empower IBD sufferers to make informed decisions about their health and improve their quality of life.

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