New Study Reveals Effects of Cannabis on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

One of the most common gastrointestinal pathologies is inflammatory bowel disease. This chronic condition includes two aspects: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both related to an inflammatory type immune reaction. Its symptoms include chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Currently, there is no effective, established, or definitive treatment for this pathology. The therapeutic conduct with these patients is the administration of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and using immunomodulators, if necessary.

However, in a percentage of patients, the symptoms persist despite the indicated treatment. That is why some turn to new options, such as more natural alternatives, including medical cannabis, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be useful in this pathology.

The Endocannabinoid System and the Digestive System

We must first learn about the endocannabinoid system to understand how medical cannabis acts on inflammatory bowel disease. Endocannabinoid and cannabinoid receptors are throughout the human body. In particular, the digestive system has numerous endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors responsible for regulating many of its functions.

According to studies in experimental models on CBD and THC, there is an increase in the expression of receptors, such as CB1, CB2, PPARα, and PPARγ to which phytocannabinoids bind during the inflammatory process.

Because of this, we can logically associate and understand why the use of medical cannabis, especially orally, can affect bowel habits.

Medical Cannabis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

According to available evidence, some phytocannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and CBC exert potent anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract, which is why their use to alleviate symptoms has increased in recent years.

Recently, a group of researchers surveyed to understand the pattern of use and effects of medical cannabis in a sample of 236 patients with inflammatory bowel disease with mild to moderate symptoms who purchased medical cannabis from a dispensary.

Link: doi.org/10.1097/mcg.0000000000001782

The frequency of use was at least once a week, with a predominance of high-THC products via inhalation. Respondents reported a decrease in emergency department visits following 12 months of medical cannabis use and less impact of symptoms on daily life. Side effects included drowsiness, dry mouth, eyes, and anxiety among 3% to 4% of respondents.

Researchers concluded that medical cannabis users with inflammatory bowel disease had relief in their symptoms, with no serious adverse effects.

This is good news for the patient community that continously struggles with gastrointestinal problems. It is helpful to understand from the patients what effects they have noticed in their condition.

Get educated about the medicinal uses of cannabis! Check our educational offers and register at www.pharmacologyuniversityonline.com/pages/courses