Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While no known cure exists, various treatments can help manage symptoms and induce remission. One emerging area of interest is the use of cannabis as a complementary therapy for UC. This blog explores the potential benefits and limitations of using cannabis to alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms, backed by current research and patient experiences.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the digestive tract. It primarily affects the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop gradually rather than suddenly, and the disease can be both draining and debilitating. While ulcerative colitis can lead to life-threatening complications, various treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and promote long-term remission.
The Different Types of UC
Ulcerative colitis manifests in several forms, each with specific symptoms and affected areas:
- Ulcerative Proctitis: Inflammation is confined to the rectum, causing rectal bleeding, which may be the sole symptom.
- Proctosigmoiditis: Inflammation involves the rectum and the sigmoid colon (the lower end of the colon), leading to bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and the urge to defecate without success (tenesmus).
- Left-sided Colitis: Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending portions of the colon, resulting in bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping pain on the left side, and urgency to defecate.
- Pancolitis: This severe form affects the entire colon, causing bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Which Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Does Cannabis Help?
Understanding the various administration methods and their effects is crucial when contemplating using cannabis for ulcerative colitis. Using vaporizers or smoking marijuana is frequently seen as the most effective consumption method because it allows for better regulation of dosage and faster alleviation of symptoms than edibles, which have a slower digestion process and delayed impact.
Multiple studies have documented symptom improvements in patients who have utilized CBD and cannabis, such as decreased abdominal pain, alleviation of joint pain, enhanced appetite, relief from nausea, less frequent episodes of diarrhea, better sleep, relief from anxiety and depression, and an increase in weight. Cannabis can help lessen intense abdominal cramps, ease joint pain, increase appetite, lower nausea, lessen episodes of diarrhea, improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety and depression, and support healthy weight gain by enhancing nutrient absorption.
Even with these possible advantages, patients need to talk to their gastroenterologist about the utilization of medical marijuana. Although animal research has indicated anti-inflammatory advantages, there is no definitive evidence of disease modification or remission in humans. Patients should also consider possible dangers, such as:
- Increased Risk of Surgery: Long-term cannabis use has been associated with a higher risk of surgery for patients with Crohn’s Disease.
- Risks During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cannabis use carries unknown risks for developing babies.
- Cognitive Impairments: Cannabis can impair short-term memory, coordination, and judgment.
- Increased Anxiety: Some users may experience heightened anxiety.
What Some Studies Say
Studies on the use of marijuana for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis, have yielded mixed results. Many patients claim to feel better and see improvements in their health, but there is little concrete clinical evidence to support complete disease disappearance.
During eight weeks in Israel, a small study was carried out on participants with ulcerative colitis who were either provided with cannabis cigarettes or a placebo. Although individuals who consumed cannabis experienced lower Mayo endoscopic scores and higher CRP scores, these differences were not statistically significant.
These initial results highlight the need for further extensive investigation. The curiosity surrounding the potential of cannabis is growing, influenced by the legalization movement and continued research on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in functions such as intestinal inflammation, gastrointestinal motility, and pain perception.
A review of two studies on cannabinoids and their derivatives in UC patients reiterates the need for more research. The research, which includes smoking cannabis cigarettes and taking CBD capsules, shows that patients experience symptom relief, but there is no solid clinical proof of disease remission. More significant, more extensive research is necessary to understand the therapeutic effects of cannabis on ulcerative colitis completely.
Need Help Getting Your MMJ Card?
Pause Pain & Wellness is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to better health through the informed use of medical marijuana. Our team of experts provides personalized advice and helps patients navigate the complex world of cannabis strains.
With clinics located in various cities across Mississippi and Alabama, including Oxford, Meridian, Flowood/Jackson, Tupelo, Olive Branch, Starkville, Hattiesburg, Gulfport, and Montgomery, we are ready to assist you. Contact us at 833-940-5060 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a more balanced and healthy life.