Medical Marijuana for Crohn’s Disease: What to Know)

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes the inflammation of parts of the digestive tract. However, the complete understanding of the causes of Crohn’s Disease is still lacking by the doctors, but it is believed that it is an outcome of a problem with the immune system.

The initial phase of detecting the Disease is monitoring the symptoms. Though the symptoms may vary based on the type and severity of the Disease, the frequently experienced symptoms may include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight Loss

Crohn’s Disease is a relapsing-remitting condition that indicates that the patients experience both the remission periods, that is, the flare-ups where the symptoms worsen and the one where they have no or a few symptoms.

However, currently, there is no exact cure for Crohn’s Disease, but the Disease’s treatment aims at relieving symptoms. Medical Doctors are also recommending medical marijuana treatment for several debilitating health conditions, and Crohn’s Disease is one. Coming to Medical Marijuana as a treatment for Crohn’s Disease, there are so many considerations you must check on.

A few research studies also suggest that Medical Marijuana treatment can relieve the health condition’s symptoms. From research studies to the association between medical cannabis and Disease, here is all you need to know.

Can Medical Marijuana treat Crohn’s Disease

Cannabis is a plant that can be used medicinally in several ways, including ingesting edibles, vaping, smoking, or applying topically. Out of all the chemicals, the best-known constituents of a cannabis plant includes Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

Several studies have been on Medical Marijuana’s effects and effectiveness on patients diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Since the studies included different doses of various chemicals of the plants, it is complicated to conclude how these different ratio strains are helping the patients.

What research studies have to say?

In a review of three studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in November 2018, the authors discovered that the effects of medical cannabis on the patients were mixed. However, the beneficial effects were found in the individual studies. Conversely, several risk factors also emerged from the compilation of all three studies, including nausea, difficulty concentrating, and a higher likelihood of sleepiness.

In another study published in Journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences in 2019, the authors compared the marijuana users and the nonusers with Crohn’s Disease between 2012 and 2014. After reaching the results, medical marijuana users were less likely to have an active intraabdominal abscess, parental nutrition, colectomy, or require a blood product transfusion.

A more extensive study with a similar design published in Journal Annals of Translational Medicine in 2019 had indicated more mixed results. It has been discovered that the patients with Crohn’s Disease using medical cannabis had a lower risk of anemia, colorectal cancer, rates of active intraabdominal abscess formation, and requiring parenteral nutrition.

How does Medical Cannabis work on Crohn’s Disease?

The marijuana plant comprises several constituents, including the cannabinoids responsible for producing the drug effects. The cannabinoids present in the marijuana plant work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system that even scientists believe plays an essential role in regulating various bodily processes. These processes may include pains, gastrointestinal motility, appetite, mood, immune function, stress response, emotions, and memory.

What symptoms does Medical Cannabis treat?

According to the current research on Medical Cannabis about treating Crohn’s Disease, it aids treat several symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. Medical Marijuana consumption may help in alleviating the following symptoms of Crohn’s Disease.

• Increases appetite
• Minimizes Diarrhea
• Controls Nausea
• Reduces abdominal pain

Conversely, there is only limited evidence to support the efficiency of Medical Cannabis in treating the symptoms as mentioned above in patients who have Crohn’s Disease. A study found that the consumption of Marijuana by teenagers diagnosed with IBD was typical, and many users believed that the treatment helped relieve the physical pain.

Risk Factors

Before counting on Medical Cannabis as a reliable treatment option to treat Crohn’s Disease, it is imperative to get familiar with the risk factors involved with the consumption of Marijuana. Medical Cannabis may cause a range of short-term and long-term side effects. Conversely, it is essential to note that the side effects may vary from person to person. It is not necessarily that every patient will experience them.

The short-term side effects occur while the Cannabinoids are in a patient’s body. The short term side-effects may include:

• Impaired motor skills
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Decreased reaction time
• Dry mouth
• Changes in Blood Pressure
• Panic
• Short term memory issues

Due to such short-term side effects, it is strictly prohibited to drive under the influence of Medical Marijuana, operate some dangerous machinery, or perform any other activity that calls for reflex reactions. Some long-term side effects of consistently consuming Medical Marijuana include addiction, depression, or anxiety. People who prefer smoking Medical Marijuana are at higher risk of suffering from chronic cough, lung infection, or bronchitis.

Obtaining Medical Cannabis to treat Crohn’s Disease

Even if you may be inclined more towards trying medical Marijuana for treating Crohn’s Disease, you may experience legal barriers in acquiring it. But every problem comes with a solution, and so do the legal obstacles. The legal obstacles involved in accessing the treatment can be eliminated by choosing a standalone solution to this.

Ultimately the best resource to acquire Medical Marijuana for treating debilitating health condition is obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card. A Medical Marijuana Card is a state identification card that allows patients to access medical marijuana treatment legally. The permissions include consumption, possession, and cultivation of Medical Cannabis.

However, it is intricate to obtain one as the manual procedure includes a complicated and time-consuming process. But how about going through an online medium where you can get it all from your homes’ comfort? Great, right?

Well, if you are seeking a reliable solution to get a medical marijuana card, then My MMJ Doctor can be a one-stop solution for you where the whole procedure can be acquired from your couch’s comfort.

Final Thoughts!!

Crohn’s Disease is a long-term health condition with no appropriate cure. The research studies state that Medical Marijuana can alleviate some disease symptoms when consumed in a proper amount. Conversely, there is a lot more research required to confirm the health benefits of Medical Cannabis on Crohn’s Disease. Therefore, it is suggested to consume Medical Marijuana with the doctor’s recommendation only.

It is essential to note that various medical treatments can help a patient with Crohn’s Disease attain and maintain symptom remission, and Medical Marijuana can be one of them. But due to Medical Marijuana’s controversial status, it is essential to obtain a legal right. Acquire a Medical Marijuana Card with My MMJ Doctor and receive your valid card at your doorstep.

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