A small scale observational study published in the Journal of the Israeli Medical Association looked at the effects of cannabis usage among patients who had Crohn’s Disease.

The study found 30 patients through an Israeli  medical marijuana organization. They asked these patients about their disease & wellbeing before & after cannabis usage. When possible, they referenced the answers given with the patients medical records. Most all of the patients had been on conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteriods & some where also using anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies. About half had also experienced the need to have surgery at some point. These patients opted to use marijuana due to the fact that they were not responding well to conventional treatments. The average amount of THC(tetrahydrocannabinol) intake from marijuana per day was about 0.5mg – 1.5mg.

The results of the study suggested marijuana greatly improved the condition of most of the study participants. Not only did the patients report a lessening of symptoms but there was physical evidence as well. The mean bowel movements per day reduced from 8 to 5, there appeared to be a reduction in the number of patients requiring surgery & many of the patients were able to reduce or stop taking some of the conventional medications.

Israel is rather restrictive in it’s marijuana laws but is opening up, even the Israeli Defense Force is looking to use marijuana as an aid for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Marijuana contains over 60 different cannabinoids. The main cannabinoids of interest are THC(tetrahydrocannabinol) & CBD(cannabidiol). Cannabinoids have an anti-inflammatory effect & also appear to help with pain & nausea. They could be of great use for other digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Gastroparesis.

Hopefully studies like these help to change the minds of those who are against the benefits of the medical marijuana.

Source: Treatment of Crohn’s Disease with Cannabis: An Observational Study