It’s estimated that as many as 3.1 million people in the United States are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), of which Crohn’s is one of two main types: the other being ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and for many patients, symptoms can feel absolutely relentless. Distressing, and quality-of-life-impacting symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue often persist despite dietary changes and conventional medications.
Current research into alternative treatments for Crohn’s is ongoing, and medical marijuana shows promise in helping to calm the underlying inflammatory processes driving Crohn’s disease.
Under the care of osteopathic physician and medical marijuana specialist, James O. Hill II, DO, patients of Medicus Cannabus can explore this option safely and effectively.
Scientists haven’t pinned down what causes the immune system to react the way it does in Crohn’s disease, but they do know that a dysfunction in immune function causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
The inflammation occurs in patches, with some parts of the digestive tract appearing completely healthy while others are markedly inflamed.
The inflammation can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the very end (anus). Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, impacts the large intestine (colon) and rectum only.
While Crohn's disease can affect all four layers of the intestinal wall, ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost layer of the intestinal lining. Patients tend to experience flare-ups where symptoms worsen, followed by periods where they feel better – a cycle commonly referred to as relapse and remission.
Traditional treatments, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics, are designed to reduce the immune response, but not everyone tolerates or responds adequately to these medications.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a regulatory network that helps maintain balance in the body. ECS receptors are found throughout the brain, immune system, and digestive tract, making them especially relevant to gastrointestinal diseases.
Two key cannabinoids found in medical marijuana play essential roles:
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)interacts with the CB1 receptor in the gut and nervous system, reducing pain perception, nausea, and intestinal motility.
CBD (cannabidiol)interacts with CB2 receptors in the immune system, reducing inflammatory activity without causing psychoactive effects.
Together, THC and CBD influence how immune cells communicate and calm overactive inflammatory responses.
Growing evidence suggests that medical marijuana may offer meaningful relief for people with Crohn’s disease:
A study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that cannabis use led to significant symptom relief in patients with treatment-resistant Crohn’s. Many participants reported reduced pain and improved appetite.
While highlighting the need for continued research, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that medical marijuana demonstrated higher remission rates and benefits for managing Crohn’s disease.
Research on the ECS continues to show that cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract help regulate inflammation, digestive contractions (peristalsis), and gut barrier function—key factors in Crohn’s symptoms.
While cannabis isn’t considered a cure, its ability to modulate immune activity and calm gastrointestinal inflammation makes it a valuable option for patients who haven’t found success with traditional treatments or who want to reduce reliance on medications.
Patients using medical marijuana for Crohn’s often report:
These improvements can help break the cycle of pain, stress, and inflammation that many Crohn’s patients struggle with.
For individuals living with Crohn’s disease, relief often requires looking beyond conventional options. Medical marijuana, supported by growing scientific evidence, offers a promising path toward effectively managing inflammation and improving quality of life.
If you’re interested in exploring medical cannabis for Crohn’s disease, our team here at Medicus Cannabus in Port St. Lucie and Lake City, Florida, stands ready to assist you. Contact us to schedule a consultation today to learn whether medical marijuana may be an effective option for managing your symptoms.
