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With time, people are increasingly becoming aware of alternative treatments for chronic ailments, including Crohn’s disease. Several individuals are looking for natural remedies to supplement their current conventional treatments. In fact, many others are looking for natural solutions as substitutes for conventional medications because they are experiencing intense side effects from prescription medications or they are not responding to them. This shift appears to be particularly common with Crohn’s disease treatment.
With the increased recognition of the health benefits of cannabis, it has been touted that these patients benefit significantly from using marijuana products. While some are using it as a primary treatment, others are complementing conventional treatment to handle this debilitating and chronic disease. If you intend to use medical cannabis for this condition, you may be concerned about the effects and benefits of cannabis for Crohn’s disease. Don’t worry because, in the next section, we will address your concern.
A bit of information about Crohn’s disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic disease classified as an inflammatory bowel disease. The illness is characterized by inflammation and may affect any part of your gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. This condition has no cure, but medication is provided to control the inflammation and associated symptoms.
Does cannabis help reduce Crohn’s disease symptoms?
Although studies about the effectiveness of cannabis in treating Crohn’s disease are in infancy, they have provided promising results. There have not been larger studies about the benefits of medical marijuana in treating Crohn’s disease. However, smaller studies have shown that the plant is effective in relieving various symptoms associated with the condition.
A 2011 observational study by Naftali et al. sought to establish the effectiveness of cannabis in treating Crohn’s disease. The researchers found out that most of the patients benefited significantly.(1) Out of the 30 participants, 21 showed significant improvement in their symptoms after treatment with cannabis. This research shows that patients with Crohn’s disease could improve from using cannabis for treatment.
Additional research by Naftali et al. was published in 2017.(2) However, the study used low-dose Cannabidiol (CBD) as opposed to the whole plant. While the researchers established that low doses of CBD were safe, they found out that they were not effective in treating the condition. The findings may be considered a disappointment. However, this may not be the case. The reason for this could be the dose and the use of just CBD as opposed to using a combination of cannabis cannabinoids. Based on the initial research, it could be concluded that other cannabinoids, apart from CBD, could be responsible for the treatment of Crohn's disease.
What are the reported benefits of using cannabis for Crohn’s disease?
Patients who use cannabis for treating Crohn’s disease may experience the following benefits:
1. Pain relief
2. Regained and increased appetite
3. Better quality of life
4. Decreased diarrhea
5. Reduced need for steroids
6. Decreased anxiety associated with the disease
While cannabis may provide these benefits, you should be aware of some issues, such as interactions and side effects.
Drugs interactions
If you are taking depression and anxiety drugs, please talk to your healthcare provider about your intention of using cannabis.
You may also consider talking to them if you are using any other drug just to be sure you are not risking the problem of drug interactions.
Recommended Strains For Crohn's
Motor Breath: Motor Breath is the only indica on this list. It's powerful effect to calm you down in a easy way because of the euphoria from this strain... Really out of this world.
Golden Pineapple: A mood boosting strain in Golden Pineapple has effects that will make you feel uplifted and yet hella chill.
Willie Nelson: Haven't really tried this one yet, but I hear it's a true sativa that can make you light on your feet and worry free of any obstacle.
Lemon Jack: This is a sativa bud ( Jack Herer X Lemon Kush) that provides a gleeful high that also has a good kick of energy. Can't go wrong with some Lemon Jack.
Side effects of cannabis x Crohn's
Generally, cannabis is safe to use. You may only experience mild effects, including drowsiness, mood changes, dry mouth, sleepiness, nausea, and feelings of being high. However, you should use cannabis in moderation to avoid more serious effects, such as paranoia, intoxication, and anxiety.
Conclusion
Initial studies show that cannabis could help individuals with Crohn’s disease, especially when used as a whole plant. While the studies are not conclusive, there is no harm in trying cannabis, and you may benefit from it. The risk of using this plant is low. You just need to use it moderately, and you are good to go.
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