Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Patients often have ongoing stomach pain, diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and flare-ups that are hard to predict or control. Many patients are now looking into medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease as an additional way to help manage their symptoms. Traditional treatments like immunosuppressants, steroids, and biologics are still very important.
There is more and more clinical interest and patient-reported outcomes that suggest some cannabis strains for Crohn’s disease. Medicinal Marijuana has the potential to reduce inflammation and chronic pain, boost appetite, and improve overall health. However, it must be used with the guidance of a licensed marijuana doctor. People who want to use cannabis for their symptoms must obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Naples. You can reach out to state-certified doctors at My Florida Green. We help you schedule an appointment with a licensed doctor near your location and complete the certification process efficiently, without any delays.
This article explores how medical marijuana might help people with Crohn’s disease, what THC and CBD do, and the best cannabis strains that are often suggested for easing symptoms.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, most often in the small intestine and colon. Symptoms can be mild to severe and may include:
- Chronic cramping and pain in the abdomen.
- Persistent diarrhea with urgency.
- Inflammation
- Weakness and tiredness.
- Loss of appetite leading to weight loss.
- Persistent nausea.
- Stress and trouble sleeping.
Flare-ups can make everyday life very difficult, so controlling symptoms is just as important as managing the disease. Many patients often seek natural alternative therapies that can help manage symptoms.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
How can Medical Marijuana help with Crohn’s Disease?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of cells that controls immune response, inflammation, gut motility, appetite, pain perception, and stress. Medical marijuana works and interacts with this system. Cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) connect with ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are found in the immune cells and the digestive tract. Some possible benefits of medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease are:
- Reducing the severity of pain and stomach cramps
- Reducing inflammation and immune system overactivity
- Improving appetite and managing weight
- Reducing nausea
- Improving sleep and stress
- Enhancing the overall quality of life during flare-ups
Cannabis does not cure Crohn’s disease, so it should only be used as a supportive therapy and not instead of prescribed medications.
Benefits of using THC for Crohn’s Disease
THC is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis and has the potential to improve many Crohn’s symptoms. Studies and patient experiences indicate that THC may be beneficial for Crohn’s disease by reducing inflammation and pain, stimulating appetite, and reducing nausea and vomiting. It also helps patients to relax by improving sleep and reducing stress. THC has also shown the potential to manage weight loss in patients with Crohn’s disease. However, it is important to take THC in small amounts, after discussing it with a state-certified marijuana doctor.
Taking larger amounts of THC without expert guidance can result in side effects. THC can make you dizzy, anxious, or have trouble thinking, especially at higher doses. A medical marijuana doctor should always help you choose the right strain and dose.
How can CBD help with digestive health?
CBD doesn’t make you high and is known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects. CBD may help people with Crohn’s disease by reducing gut inflammation, stress, and anxiety caused by chronic illness. CBD also induces a soothing cal,m leading to improved sleep.
Many patients feel better when they use balanced THC: CBD strains, which help with symptoms without making them high, with less risk of side effects.
Cannabis Strains for Crohn’s Disease
Different strains of cannabis have different amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. Here are some common types of strains and categories that are recommended for managing Crohn’s disease symptoms.
1. Indica-Dominant Strains
People often choose indica strains because they offer relaxation. These strains might help with inflammation, muscle tension, and chronic pain. They are also helpful in improving sleep and reducing stress. They are usually taken at night.
2. Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains mix indica and sativa genetics to give patients a balanced effect that may help them stay functional while they deal with their symptoms. They offer pain relief without causing sedation, digestive comfort, and mood stabilization. They also reduce the fatigue and improve the patient’s overall mood. Patients who need to control their symptoms during the day often prefer hybrids.
3. THC-Dominant Strains
Strains high in THC must be taken under strict guidelines and monitoring of a state-certified doctor. Only patients with severe symptoms are told to take any cannabis dominant in THC. They may be prescribed to patients suffering from:
- Extreme stomach pain.
- A big loss of appetite.
- Extreme case of nausea caused by flare-ups or medications.
THC has to be taken very carefully and should only be used in small amounts, especially if you are new to medical marijuana.
4. CBD-Dominant strains
For patients who want to feel better without getting high, CBD-rich strains are the best choice. People often use these strains for:
- Long-term inflammation
- Anxiety associated with Crohn’s disease
- Persistent discomfort in the digestive system
- Managing symptoms over the long term
Patients who are sensitive to THC may find CBD strains to be very helpful. CBD must be taken with the advice of a State-Certified Medical Marijuana doctor.
5. Terpene
Terpenes are a big part of how cannabis affects the gut. Some terpenes that are good for you are
- Caryophyllene: protects the gut and reduces inflammation
- Myrcene: helps you relax and relieves pain
- Limonene: Helps with mood and stress relief
- Linalool: Calming and anti-anxiety
How to Pick the Right Cannabis Strain for Crohn’s Disease
There isn’t one strain that is best for everyone. The best cannabis strain for you depends on:
- The severity and nature of your symptoms
- The goal you want to achieve by taking Cannabis
- How much Marijuana can you take safely
- Your current medications
- Everyday life and routine
- Other drugs in your treatment regimen.
A doctor who is licensed by the state to prescribe medical marijuana can help patients choose the right strain, cannabinoid ratio, and dose for their needs.
Using medical marijuana safely and responsibly.
Patients who use medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease should:
- Begin with small amounts and slowly increase them.
- Monitor symptoms.
- Don’t stop taking Crohn’s medications
- Only buy from licensed dispensaries
- Get high-quality products that have been tested in a lab.
- Keep in touch with their healthcare provider regularly.
Medical Marijuana for Crohn’s Disease
More and more people with Crohn’s disease are finding that medical marijuana has the potential to make their symptoms better. Patients with Crohn’s disease may have less pain, less inflammation, a better appetite, and a better overall quality of life with the right cannabis strains.
Cannabis isn’t a cure, but it can be a very helpful treatment when used responsibly and under the care of a doctor. People with Crohn’s disease who are considering using medical marijuana should talk to a licensed professional to make a safe, individualized treatment plan. They can reach out to experts at My Florida Green, who can assist you at every stage of the certification process. Get in touch with one of the experts and start your journey to better health today!
