Medical cannabis in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that affect millions of people worldwide and can cause debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or weight loss. Conventional treatments are limited and more and more patients are looking to medicinal cannabis for an alternative to relieve symptoms, although the scientific evidence is not yet robust. However, some studies already offer some hope for the success of cannabis therapies in this type of pathology.

Medical cannabis is commonly used to treat chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and epilepsy. The National Academy of Sciences, in addition to various medical research programs, concluded that there is substantial evidence that support efficacy in treating these conditions [1]. The use of cannabis to treat other conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), from ulcerative colitis to Crohn's disease, where limited treatment options exist, has not yet been well studied or understood. However, many IBD patients have already resorted to medicinal cannabis and reported significant relief of symptoms with treatment.

A recent study, published by the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, revealed promising results for the use of cannabis in the treatment of IBD [2]. The cross-sectional study, conducted at an IBD clinic, found that more than one-third [2] of the 162 patients surveyed reported medical cannabis use. Among those who used cannabis for IBD treatment, most reported an improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Of the patients who participated in the study, 84% to 94% found cannabis beneficial for their health and would recommend it to others with IBD.

Some previous studies have also provided support for the use of medicinal cannabis to treat IBD-related symptoms. One of the first was an observational study conducted in Israel, where a small population of patients with Crohn's disease reported an improvement in their condition after using medical cannabis. Of the 30 patients studied, 21 reported some level of symptom relief [3].

A more recent analysis of UK Medical Cannabis Registry surveyed 76 patients with IBD, using four different objective scales for the effect of cannabis on health-related quality of life. The study showed statistically significant improvement after one and three months of follow-up [4].

While clinical trials are the gold standard for establishing medical efficacy, these studies already highlight some real-world evidence that patients are finding that cannabis can be effective in treating the symptoms of IBD.

However, doctors are still not well informed. A recent survey of gastroenterologists revealed that physicians lacked information about the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis, but were enthusiastic about receiving more training on the subject [5]. Therefore, it is essential for clinicians to stay informed of the latest data from real-world studies in order to provide the best possible care, especially for patients with limited treatment options.

Various organizations, including non-profit organizations such as the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, exist to facilitate education and support for healthcare professionals interested in using medicinal cannabis as a treatment [6]. In addition, these associations often facilitate networks of healthcare professionals to share experiences and ideas about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for various conditions.

References:

1. The National Academy of Sciences, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research, 2017.
2. Velez-Santiago, A., et al., A Survey of Cannabis Use among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023.
3. Naftali, T., et al., Treatment of Crohn's disease with cannabis: an observational study. Isr Med Assoc J, 2011.
4. Dalavaye, N., et al., The effect of medical cannabis on inflammatory bowel disease: analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2023.
5. Santiago, A. and E. Torres, 2907 Knowledge and Perception of Gastroenterologists Regarding Medical Marijuana Use in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology 2019.
6. The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (www.ukmccs.org), Recommendations and Guidance on Medical Cannabis under Prescription, 2021.

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Adam Kavalier has a Ph.D. in plant chemistry and cancer pharmacology, and uses his scientific background to galvanize the cannabis industry, promoting its medicinal benefits and acceptance among physicians, pharmacists and patients. Originally from the US, Adam is currently directing his efforts to Europe, actively involved in assisting with the establishment and operation of cannabis factories and supporting product development for operations across the region. He has worked in cannabis operations for the past seven years as Scientific Director for Holistic Industries, a vertically integrated US manufacturer and marketer. Throughout his tenure, he has been involved in many aspects of the industry, including facility design, construction and operation of various manufacturing sites. Adam is also involved in research and development in the areas of crop science, manufacturing and extraction. He has developed a number of products in various formats and has worked with research organizations contracted to conduct clinical research.