It seems like every day we’re learning more about the restorative effects of medical cannabis. More and more patients are finding that the medication can help treat symptoms caused by a variety of conditions and illnesses. Medical cannabis for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) in particular has shown promise in helping to treat symptoms for patients. Read on to find out how medical cannabis and CBD for IBD may provide the relief you’re in search of.
Cannabis and IBD Research
There is a growing body of research that points to medical cannabis for IBD as an effective treatment that offers great relief to patients.
In one study, of the 30 patients with Crohn’s Disease (a type of IBD) who were given cannabis to help manage symptoms, all 30 reported seeing improvements in their symptoms.
Another Canadian study showed that of the 319 patients studied, 91% showed improvements of IBD symptoms with cannabis use, with the vast majority reporting both less severe abdominal pain as well as relief from abdominal cramping.
Other studies have shown that cannabis oil with CBD has led to reduced symptom severity for people suffering from IBD.
While more research is still needed to definitively link CBD and cannabis use to reduced symptoms of IBD, recent studies across the globe are showing that patients are using medical cannabis for IBD and experiencing a high degree of success in helping to mitigate symptoms.
Managing IBD with Cannabis
So how can a patient use cannabis for IBD?
Before you try and use medical cannabis for IBD, it is highly advisable to see a licensed professional healthcare provider to help you understand how it may interact with other medications you may be taking and to get a better idea of the proper doses, the right type of medical cannabis for your symptoms, and the proper THC-CBD balance for your needs.
While medical cannabis has shown immense promise in helping to reduce symptoms, a medical professional should still be consulted.
What’s more, depending on your preferences, you may opt for high-CBD and low-THC strains of cannabis or vice versa.
These two molecules produce different effects on the body, with THC being intoxicating (meaning you’ll feel that euphoric, high feeling) whereas CBD does not have intoxicating characteristics (but can still help with mood improvements).
There’s also a growing body of research showing that cannabis is effective at treating inflammation more broadly.
Why People with IBD Use Cannabis
If you’re a patient with IBD, then you’ve likely faced a number of symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Gastric acid
- And more
In other words, it can make your day-to-day life uncomfortable and difficult.
But medical cannabis can help relieve many of these symptoms, if not totally, then at least in terms of severity, as seen in the above studies.
How to Use CBD to Manage IBD
CBD oil in particular has shown in studies to help with symptom management.
And the good thing about CBD is that there’s no intoxicating effect, as previously mentioned. What’s more, it can be taken in a variety of forms, so while you may be most familiar with CBD oil, it can actually be eaten, smoked, applied topically, etc.
There are also a number of mood-stabilizing side-effects of CBD that patients may enjoy. That said, there can be a number of other side effects like a change in appetite, weight loss, stomach issues (aside from those associated with your IBD), etc.
In other words, it’s still advisable to speak with a medical professional before trying to medicate with CBD.
It’s also a good idea to “start low and slow,” meaning you should start with a lower dose and increase your dose in small increments every few days to determine the correct dosage for your specific needs.
About Medical Marijuana Consulting Services
If you’re interested in trying medical cannabis for IBD relief, then you should contact us at Medical Marijuana Consulting (MMC).
We are a comprehensive cannabis clinic dedicated to helping Canadians connect with medical professionals with deep expertise on medical marijuana. Consult with a team of physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners that can provide a prescription, help connect you with coverage for your prescription costs (if eligible), refer you to a licensed producer, and help you apply for the ACMPR license.
We’ll help you get a medical marijuana prescription as well as identify which strain of cannabis is best for your symptoms. What’s more, we’ll also help you identify whether CBD or traditional medical cannabis is best for you.
At MMC, it is our goal to help every patient that could benefit from medical cannabis get access to the medication. Join our Ambassador Program and receive $15 for every person you refer to MMC that becomes a patient.
Medical Marijuana Consulting and Virtual Clinics
At MMC, we have a number of cannabis clinics operational across Canada. In addition, we also offer virtual clinics so you can more easily access a medical care professional who can help you on your healthcare journey. Get relief to your symptoms and contact Medical Marijuana Consulting. To learn more about Medical Marijuana Consulting and how you can secure a prescription as part of your personalized medical cannabis treatment plan, book a consultation online, contact us at 844-312-5143, or email us at patientcare@medmc.ca.
