How Medical Marijuana Treats Crohn's Disease
If you suffer from uncontrolled Crohn’s disease, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. Even those whose symptoms are mitigated can experience relapse or ongoing flare-ups. With the recent surge in medical marijuana legalization, more people with chronic illnesses are asking whether it can offer sought-after relief. Let’s explore the correlation between Crohn’s disease and marijuana and whether it’s a good choice for treating painful symptoms.
What is Crohn's Disease?
Before we can address how medical marijuana can help those with Crohn’s, it’s important to understand what the disease is. Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It causes the tissues in the digestive tract to swell and become inflamed, causing the sufferer extreme abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, and, in severe cases, malnutrition. The inflammation responsible for the pain and discomfort associated with the disease isn’t always contained in one area. It can spread deep into the bowels, making it harder to treat. The greater the swelling, the more prevalent the symptoms. That’s where medical marijuana comes in.
How Medical Marijuana Helps Crohn's Symptoms
Since Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease, it stands to reason that the best treatment options would target the underlying symptoms. Studies show that THC has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. When used as a topic ointment, it’s shown to decrease the amount of myeloid immune cell infiltration and swelling. Furthermore, and more importantly, these studies showed that marijuana protects against gastric inflammation and tissue damage.
That’s good news for Crohn’s sufferers, but it’s important to note that medical marijuana is meant to work alongside existing medications and treatments, not as a substitute. When taken in conjunction with your current treatment, marijuana has additional benefits, including the ones listed below.
Pain Relief
Crohn’s is known for producing chronic pain that can leave the sufferer incapacitated. The disease causes two primary types of pain: somatic and visceral. Somatic pain targets the bones, joints, and muscles and is often easier to pinpoint. Visceral pain, however, occurs inside the body, making it harder to locate. It’s not uncommon for doctors to prescribe opioids for pain management, but along with their addictive qualities, they can actually worsen Crohn’s symptoms and the pain they bring. Medical marijuana works to block the nerve receptors that register pain in the brain. As a result, studies have shown a 64% opioid use decrease in those with chronic pain.
Decreased Inflammation
With Crohn’s, inflammation isn’t always contained within the bowels. Uveitis, or eye inflammation, and Iritisis, or pupil inflammation, are common symptoms that occur as the body fights infection. Inflammation within the body inhibits it from working properly, which is why partial bowel blockages can occur. It also stops the body from absorbing bile acid, leading to cramping and diarrhea. With prolonged symptoms, the sufferer can become malnourished since they cannot get the vitamins and minerals their body needs to thrive.
Cannabinoids, the larger group that medical marijuana falls under, are believed to play a significant role in immune system regulation. Studies show that THC can downregulate chemokine and cytokine production, which suppress the inflammatory response. It also inducts apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and suppresses T-regulatory cell induction, all of which create potent anti-inflammatory effects. By blocking inflammation, marijuana can effectively help reduce symptoms and provide relief.
Get a Medical Marijuana Marijuana Card For Crohn's
Now Patients in North Carolina Can Use Medical Marijuana to Treat Crohn's Disease
Get a Medical Marijuana Marijuana Card For Crohn's
Now Patients in North Carolina Can Use Medical Marijuana to Treat Crohn's Disease
The Effectiveness of Medical Marijuana for Crohn's Treatment
Since medical marijuana is only just beginning to gain credibility for the treatment of many medical conditions, there are limited studies showing its effectiveness on Crohn’s specifically. A 2018 study with 21 active Crohn’s sufferers showed that those taking marijuana reported higher incidents of clinical remission than the ones taking a placebo. In another study, participants using marijuana oil reported a decrease in symptom severity and increased quality of life over those using a placebo. While these results are encouraging, it’s clear that more testing is required to see the full scope of benefits marijuana can offer for those with Crohn’s disease.
While the effects on Crohn’s aren’t certain, there’s no denying that medical marijuana does have the capacity to significantly ease symptoms associated with the disease. When used in conjunction with prescribed medications and therapy, sufferers have a higher chance of experiencing pain relief and anti-inflammation. It’s important to note that stopping therapy or discontinuing medication without speaking to a healthcare professional could result in relapse or worsening symptoms. You should always discuss adding medical marijuana to your treatment plan with your doctor so you can understand the risk/ benefit analysis.
The Effectiveness of Medical Marijuana for Crohn's Treatment
When it comes to using medical marijuana to treat Crohn’s symptoms, there are a few options to choose from.
Topicals – Topical ointments, lotions, and creams are infused with THC and are great for treating somatic pain and inflammation. Apply them to the affected area for targeted treatment of Crohn’s symptoms.
Capsules – Capsules are an excellent option for Crohn’s sufferers since they release cannabis oil directly into the gastrointestinal system.
Vaping – Vaping is a popular option and involves using a vaporizer to inhale the THC. Vaping allows the marijuana to absorb quickly into the body, offering fast pain relief.
Concentrates – Concentrates are one of the most potent types of medical marijuana. There are multiple ways to take them, but they may not be suitable for new users.
Edibles – Edibles are perfect for those who struggle taking pills or don’t like smoking. They also deliver the THC directly to the digestive system, helping it work faster.
Tinctures – Tinctures are similar to concentrates but are taken orally with food or drinks. They can be flavored or flavorless and are readily absorbed.
For those suffering from relapsing or active Crohn’s disease, medical marijuana can provide symptom relief. While ongoing studies are necessary, THC may offer significant pain relief and anti-inflammation. Charlotte MD, is Charlotte, North Carolina’s official marijuana doctor. Our team of healthcare professionals will walk you through the medical marijuana process so you can see if you qualify. See how our state-certified medical marijuana doctors can help you and contact Charlotte MD, today.