One of the biggest reasons that people all over the world are advocating the use of marijuana as a medicine is the simple fact that it works – without the fear of potential side effects that are worse than the symptoms. For many, marijuana is a safe alternative medicine for a debilitating condition – and thanks to one study we can add Crohn’s Disease to that list.
Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease – similar to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) except the symptoms are much more severe. This disease causes the lining of the digestive track to become inflamed, which leads to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and even malnutrition.
This disease can be moderate – causing symptoms in occasional flare ups, or severe to the point of being unable to lead a normal, productive life. So far, there is no cure, however steroids and immunosuppressant drugs have been used to control symptoms.
In 2013, the first ever medical study of the effects of medical marijuana for Crohn’s Disease was conducted. The study was small and only included 21 patients with active Crohn’s Disease. Of those 21 patients, 11 of them were given cannabis and the other 10 were given a placebo.
Personally, I find it interesting that in this study they chose to administer smoked marijuana in the form of joints. In most studies I’ve seen they use edibles or oils or even vaporized marijuana over smoked marijuana. This is really a testament to the fact that even smoked marijuana should be considered medicine – even if it’s not the most conventional way to administer it.
The 11 that were given cannabis were given joints that each had approximately 23% THC and .5% CBD – the placebo group was given cigarettes that contained cannabis from which the THC had been extracted. They were instructed to smoke two cigarettes each day for a period of eight weeks.
After the eight week, 5 out of the 11 patients (45%) in the cannabis group had experienced a complete remission of their Crohn’s Disease. 10 out of those 11 experienced a clinical response of improved symptoms with “no significant side effects”. Side effects were not listed in the study – however anyone who has smoked cannabis is aware of common side effects like dry mouth and dry eyes being the most irritating usually.
Of the patients in the placebo group, 4 out of 10 experienced decreased symptoms – and I have a theory on this but I’m no scientist – they only claimed to extract THC from the placebo cannabis, but CBD is well known to have many of the same effects as THC without the psychoactive reaction.
The findings here promoted their conclusion that there should be further studies with edibles and non-smoked cannabis on a much larger scale to determine just how effective marijuana can be for this condition. The study was conducted in 2013 – no information about further studies can be found as of yet.
This study confirms the stories of many patients who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and have turned to alternative treatments when steroids and immunosuppressant drugs were ineffective. One mom had her son taken away because she self-medicates with cannabis in a state where it is illegal – but marijuana is the only medicine to bring relief since she was diagnosed.
Hopefully there will be new studies out on this subject in the near future – each and every condition that can be treated with medical marijuana allows more and more patients a safe alternative to modern medicines.
Research never involves such a small target Group! You don’t mention what school of research conducted these controls, not what any of the Adverse reactions were!! I have a nephew that has been using Marijuana as a treatment for supposed Abdominal Pain!! The Tragedy with him is his Social Dysfunction, his total inability to Relate to other people, even Family!
He has never worked, has no friend and only ever( under Duress)leaves the house with his Mother!! This young man has had problems since mid way through primary school! Mum has been hostile
To suggestions of how to move him
Forward on an Academic level
And watching him now is devestating!
Nuerologically Marijuana has been devastating to his Mental health!! This is not a complete denial of the Benefits of this substance only a ”
Be wary and have ALL THE FACTS before an approach to a ” Cure” for these disorders! I’ve heard of reductions in Seizures and pain relief of pain but not a cure!! If it reduces seizures and does not cause worse nuero probs fine But don’t create a monster that makes life
Worse!
“I have a nephew that has been using Marijuana as a treatment for supposed Abdominal Pain!!”
Do you not believe your nephew’s pain or the fact that Cannabis can help?
I can speak from personal experience and I suffer from I.B.S. and I can confer for many people I also know who use it for thier crohns.
It literally gave me my life back but not from smoking it , that never helped. It was eating the Cannabis in it’s essential oils.
I was over 310lbs and sick all the time. No Dieting, I just felt satiated with small amounts of food with no Insulin effects. It’s hard for people to grasp becasue of the stigma of smoking the medicine when it’s best used in essential oil form but it is quite remarkable for Crohn suffers far more superior to Pharmacy releif.
You mentioned being interested in their use of smoking as a means of delivery for Crohn’s patients. Many Crohn’s patients have issues with “absorption” due to food being rushed through the digestive tract (aka Diarrhea), or the intestine walls being inflammed and/or damaged.
Smoking or Vaping would probably be the best method of administration.
Actually eating it in Essential Oil Form has shown the best for treatment for many of us.
How do you get you get selected for a study. My daughter has Crones and I have been wondering if this would help her. She has been getting infusion treatment.