Medical Marijuana for Crohn's Disease in Ohio

Crohn’s disease is a type of irritable bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. While the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are well understood, less is known about what causes it. In the past, it was believed that factors like diet and stress could cause the condition, though now researchers believe that these things may just aggravate the condition, not cause it. Genetics or the body’s immune system may play a role in the development of Crohn’s disease, but ultimately the cause is unknown.

​

Someone with Crohn’s disease will experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, or blood in the stool. In severe cases, they may also experience inflammation of the joints, skin, liver, and more. Over time, Crohn’s disease can lead to some major side effects such as malnutrition and stomach ulcers. Thankfully, there are ways to control Crohn’s disease and keep symptoms at a minimum.

​

Crohn’s disease is typically treated with anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids, though these are not an effective long-term treatment. Some people also use immunosuppressant medications to treat their condition, though these have limited effectiveness and can cause unpleasant side effects.

​

Medical Marijuana and Crohn’s Disease

Given that standard treatment options from Crohn’s disease are lacking, medical marijuana is a welcome addition to the mix. The key to medical marijuana’s effectiveness for treating Crohn’s disease lies in its cannabinoids, which interact with receptors in the gut. One cannabinoid in particular, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the gut. Reducing inflammation in this area of the body is key to controlling symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

​

Cannabis can be particularly beneficial for people living with Crohn’s disease for whom steroid or immunosuppressant medications have been ineffective. A 2013 study examined the impact of THC on a group of Crohn’s sufferers in this category. They found that almost all of the study participants using cannabis experienced significant, side-effect free benefits compared with a placebo group. Additional studies support that cannabis can be used to relieve symptoms such as pain and nausea for people with irritable bowel diseases. Another benefit of medical marijuana use for Crohn’s disease is that it reduces the need for other pharmaceuticals or surgeries, providing a more appealing alternative treatment method for Crohn’s disease sufferers.

 

Living with Crohn’s disease is not easy, and the lack of effective long-term treatment options can be discouraging. Though cannabis is no cure for the disease, it can help make life a lot more comfortable for people living with Crohn’s disease and reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with the condition. If you would like more information on medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease, give us a call. We can answer any questions you may have about the approval process, and get you scheduled with a doctor for an evaluation at one of our office locations.