Skip to content

IBD and Cannabinoid Medicine

February 12, 2020 / Arfinn Med MD /

IBD and Cannabinoid Medicine

With an estimated 3.1 million adults diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) in the United States, it’s natural that many people are asking about the possible benefits of cannabis for the symptoms associated with IBD. In fact, the University of Michigan Health Department received so many questions regarding this issue, that they released a Q&A with one of their gastroenterologists on the subject. 

People suffering from IBD often have symptoms that can easily interfere with life’s daily activities.  Those symptoms include:

  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Diarrhea that may be bloody
  • Severe urgency to have a bowel movement
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss

With many states that allow medical marijuana including IBD in their ‘qualifying conditions’ list, patients have been able to use cannabinoid medicine in conjunction with their traditional treatment to find symptom relief.  Our data at Arfinn Med indicates that patients adding cannabinoid treatment to their regiment have seen an improvement in their symptoms, indicating a 3.9 out of 5.0 on our symptom relief scale.

A screenshot of a cell phone Description automatically generated

If you are suffering from IBD and are interested in learning more about cannabinoid medicine, please reach out to your physician to discuss ways of incorporating it into your existing treatment. If your physician would like more information, please refer them to Arfinn Med and its EMR and data portal focusing on complimentary and alternative medicines (CAM).

Resources:

https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/digestive-health/cannabis-for-treating-ibd-hope-or-hype

https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/inflammatory-bowel-syndrome#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease/facts-statistics-infographic#1

Stories you may be interested in

State Board of Health reviews timelines for establishing Mississippi medical marijuana program

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The blueprint for Mississippi’s medical marijuana program is Initiative 65 that voters approved in November. That contains detailed requirements and the clock is ticking to get it started. The State Board of Health met virtually Wednesday to discuss the groundwork of the medical marijuana program. “I do want to tell you…
Read More →

Doctors and patients are flying blind as medical marijuana use rises, research lags

Marijuana’s role in the health care universe has grown exponentially over the past few years. Currently, 33 U.S. states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, and more and more states are considering making it legal for recreational purposes as well. As cannabis becomes more accessible, many people are turning to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) products to…
Read More →

Medical marijuana users tell their stories to Medical Cannabis Study Commission

Thursday, the Medical Cannabis Study Commission held its third meeting. The Commission has been tasked with presenting a policy recommendation to the legislature on exactly what the best medical marijuana bill should look like. The Commission held a public hearing in which a number of medical marijuana users claimed that the drug has benefitted them.…
Read More →

After marijuana edibles helped dying Holocaust survivor battle Alzheimer’s, his family’s foundation pushes for more research

A Massachusetts family’s experience giving marijuana edibles to their dying patriarch is set to kick off a desperately needed investigation into how cannabis might treat some of the more troubling symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects 5.7 million Americans. Read the full story here.
Read More →

Medical Marijuana a Hit With Seniors

In a new survey, those who turned to it for treating chronic pain reported it reduced pain and decreased the need for opioid painkillers. Nine out of 10 liked it so much they said they’d recommend medical pot to others. “I was on Percocet and replaced it with medical marijuana. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said one senior. Another patient put…
Read More →

Aching for a Better Alternative?

To close out Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re highlighting how medical marijuana may be a beneficial alternative treatment for this painful and debilitating disease. With over 31 million Americans suffering from various types of arthritis, the condition stands as the leading disability throughout the U.S. As many may know, arthritis is most common among the middle-aged…
Read More →

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.