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Olivia Castro

How Medical Marijuana Can Help Crohn's Disease

Updated: Jul 6, 2023

Did you know that digestive diseases affect 60 to 70 million people in the United States?

Digestive diseases can cause a range of symptoms including: vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, heartburn, chronic constipation and more. There are a few gastrointestinal conditions and Crohn's disease is one of them.


What is Crohn's Disease?


People with Crohn’s disease experience inflammation of the digestive tract.

Symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Intense stomach pain

  • Fatigue

  • Weight loss

What Are the Treatments For Crohn's Disease?


Typical treatment for gastrointestinal disorders include medication, supplements and

lifestyle changes such as regulating diet and avoiding certain foods. However, medical marijuana has become a more common way to treat Crohn's disease.


How Does Cannabis Help Relieve Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?


Crohn's disease is a result of inflammation, and both THC and CBS contain powerful components that have anti-inflammatory effects.


Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS’s main

responsibility is to balance and regulate various functions of the body, including: appetite, pain, GI motility and more. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout nerves in the gut. Levels of cannabinoid receptors can make a difference in a healthy and unhealthy gut.


For example, CB1 plays a role in bridging the gap between the digestive system to the brain through the nervous system. CB2 receptors are typically scarce in a healthy gut.


Since cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, interact with these receptors, medical

marijuana is a recommended treatment for anyone suffering from Chron's disease.


When cannabis interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract, the result can

be calming spasms, easing pain and improving motility. Cannabis has also been shown

to have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate multiple symptoms at once and recent research has even suggested that cannabis can either enhance or suppress immune response.


As more research develops in relation to cannabis and gastrointestinal disorders, more

awareness around the disease and the treatment will become available as well. As always, it is important to contact your medical marijuana doctor to determine your best course of treatment.


 

If you are a West Virginia resident suffering from a medical condition you think may benefit cannabis, you're likely eligible for medical marijuana treatment.

Click here to learn more about what West Virginia Marijuana Card's state-certified medical marijuana doctors can do for you, or give us a call at (877) 303-8424 and our friendly support team can walk you through the entire process and schedule you for an evaluation appointment.

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