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Medical cannabis can be prescribed for 50+ conditions. The plant itself is complex, with over 100 cannabinoids. Two of these cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel ‘high’. THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that ‘high’ feeling recreational cannabis use is sometimes associated with.
So, what is Crohn’s Disease? It’s a chronic condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches and cramps
- Blood in your poo
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
The above symptoms can be experienced non-stop, or come and go. In these instances, when symptoms reappear, it’s known as a flare-up. And as you can imagine, this can all have a pretty significant impact on day-to-day life.
Below we’ll be exploring CBD for Crohn’s Disease and THC for Crohn’s Disease, as well as methods of consumption and potential risks. With the help of licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf, people suffering from Chron’s Disease could potentially get their life back on track.
How Medical Cannabis Affects Crohn’s Disease: Pain, Inflammation & Symptom Relief
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health, as well as regulating pain.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis has the potential to work so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD or THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
CBD vs. THC for Crohn’s disease
Medical cannabis has the potential to ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CBD also has the potential to relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors.
Although separately, CBD and THC have the potential to relieve pain, some research shows that they can sometimes work better together. Instead of looking at these two compounds against each other, we should be looking at how, together, they both may play a lead role on certain health conditions. This is due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This research also implies a mix of THC and CBD may prove effective.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Crohn's Disease
There are a bunch of potential benefits of medical cannabis for Chron’s Disease. Some of the main symptoms it may potentially help ease include:
- Pain relief and cramp reduction
- Reduced inflammation in the gut: medical cannabis and gut health go hand in hand as seen in this study. THC was shown to reduce gastric inflammation.
- Improved appetite and nutrient absorption: THC has the potential to stimulate the appetite
However, a lot more research is needed to back this further and to highlight the full potential of medical cannabis.
Best Ways to Use Medical Cannabis for Crohn’s Disease
When it comes to medical cannabis, the way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll advise a method of consumption based on your symptoms and condition, but they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with. Remember, you may not choose the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences. Below we’ve got a brief explanation of different ways to use medical cannabis:
- Vaping: Inhaling provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain you often experience with Chron’s Disease. Doctors advise against smoking your prescription. Smoking cannabis is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- THC & CBD Oils: Placing cannabis oil under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last longer than they do for inhaling.
Because Crohn’s affects the gut, edibles and oils may not be the best method of consumption for this condition. Instead, inhalation is probably more suitable as it bypasses the gut for relief.
When it comes to the best cannabis strains for Crohn’s Disease this can vary from person to person. From personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, to you as an individual, this really can be completely different for everyone. It’s best to speak to your clinician about strain and dosage. They’ll take all of the above into account, as well as your own preferences and opinion.
And remember you may not get it right the first time. Medical cannabis can affect everyone differently. And just because someone you know has a certain experience, doesn't mean the same will happen to you. Your body, and everyone else's, is different.
Potential Risks & Side Effects
Every medication comes with potential side effects, and medical cannabis is no different. However, side effects can vary depending on personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition, as well as consumption method (for example oil, vaporiser, edible), and THC and CBD content.
Don’t worry too much, and if you’re ever concerned, speak to your doctor. They’ll explain everything in detail ahead of prescribing any medication. But, some potential risks and side effects to keep in mind include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis.
Note: fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight are also symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications. So, if you’re prescribed any Crohn’s medications, it’s best to speak to your Doctor or clinician before consuming any medical cannabis.
Summary
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic condition, with no known cure. Instead, people with Crohn’s Disease can improve their quality of life by easing some of the symptoms. From reducing inflammation to stimulating appetite, there’s some evidence to suggest medical cannabis can help. But a lot more is needed. Hopefully by bringing it into the mainstream, we can highlight the potential of this incredible plant.
To find out more about how medical cannabis can be prescribed to someone with Crohn’s Disease, or 50+ other conditions including anxiety, depression and ADHD, head to the Alternaleaf website.