What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Part of a broader group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s affects over three million Americans – an increase of more than one million since 1999. There’s still no known cure, and symptoms can be debilitating, including: diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, fever, and even intestinal blockages due to inflammation and scar tissue.
Standard drug therapies include:
- Aminosalicylates, which may relieve mild to moderate symptoms but often cause nausea, headaches, and abdominal pain.
- Corticosteroids, which can reduce inflammation but come with side effects like mood swings and high blood sugar.
- Immunomodulators, which suppress the immune system over time but increase infection risk and can take months to work.
How Marijuana Helps Crohn’s
Because Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease, marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising alternative. Patients also report meaningful relief from pain – a fact that grabbed national attention when comedian Pete Davidson said cannabis worked better for him than prescription medications.
Medical journals are taking note. A 2016 review reported:
Another patient survey found cannabis was “very helpful” in reducing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and appetite loss.
In a 2014 Canadian study, patients who used cannabis reported improvement in:
- Abdominal pain (83.9%)
- Cramping (76.8%)
- Joint pain (48.2%)
- Diarrhea (28.6%)
Notably, over 82% said they planned to continue using cannabis – and 87.5% said they would recommend marijuana to other IBD patients.
How Does Medical Marijuana Work?
While inflammation is the primary target, marijuana also acts on the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate gut health. Specifically:
- CB1 receptor activation may protect the body’s intestines,
- CBD may increase the “bliss molecule” anandamide by inhibiting FAAH, potentially improving mood and inflammation, and
- THC may impair cytokine production and lower TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory marker linked to Crohn’s disease.
Cannabis & Crohn's Studies
A team led by Dr. Timna Naftali at the University of Jerusalem found that an eight-week trial of THC-rich cannabis produced measurable symptom improvement. In a follow-up study presented at the 2018 United European Gastroenterology conference, it was reported that 65% of patients receiving cannabis oil achieved clinical remission (compared to 35% in the placebo group).
Yet, researchers noted that symptom relief may not have come from inflammation reduction alone – hinting at new, still-unknown mechanisms of action.
In a randomized trial published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 45% of cannabis patients achieved full remission, while only 10% of the placebo group did. Patients also reported improved appetite and sleep, without significant side effects.
Should you try Medical Marijuana?
Many Crohn’s patients feel cannabis helps where other medications fall short. In a 2014 survey, over 80% of respondents said marijuana worked better than other drugs and caused fewer side effects. An earlier survey found higher cannabis use among IBD patients than the general population, suggesting strong demand and perceived value.
While more research is needed, existing studies – and patient experiences – point to medical marijuana as a promising treatment option for Crohn’s disease. If you’re struggling with symptom management, CannaMD doctors are here to help.