Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objective This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of cannabis in the management of Crohn’s disease (CD) by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). By adhering to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines and registering the study protocol with PROSPERO, this research intends to offer robust, evidence-based recommendations for healthcare practitioners on the therapeutic potential and clinical implications of cannabis use in CD management. Methods A literature search encompassing PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify relevant RCTs comparing cannabis to placebo or standard therapy in CD patients. Inclusion...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Cannabinoids are used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to alleviate their symptoms. Little is known on patient motivation, benefit, or risks of this practice. Our aim was to assess the extent and motives for Cannabis use in patients with IBD and the beneficial and adverse effects associated with self-administration of Cannabis. Methods Consecutive patients with IBD (n = 313) seen in the University of Calgary from July 2008 to March 2009 completed a structured anonymous questionnaire covering motives, pattern of use, and subjective beneficial and adverse effects associated with self-administration of Cannabis....

Please use this link to access this publication. ABSTRACT Introduction: Cannabis use among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is common. There are many studies of various laboratory models demonstrating the anti–inflammatory effect of cannabis, but their translation to human disease is still lacking. Areas covered: The cannabis plant contains many cannabinoids, that activate the endocannabinoid system. The two most abundant phytocannabinoids are the psychoactive Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the (mostly) anti–inflammatory cannabidiol (CBD). Approximately 15% of IBD patients use cannabis to ameliorate disease symptoms. Unfortunately, so far there are only three small placebo controlled study regarding the use of cannabis in active Crohns disease, combining...

Abstract Aims Despite reports that medical cannabis improves symptoms in Crohn’s disease [CD], controlled studies evaluating disease response are lacking. This study assessed the effect of cannabidiol [CBD]-rich cannabis oil for induction of remission in CD. Methods In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, single-centre trial, patients received orally either cannabis oil containing160/40 mg/ml cannabidiol/tetrahydrocannabinol [CBD/THC] or placebo for 8 weeks. Disease parameters, including the CD activity index [CDAI], and simple endoscopic score for CD [SES-CD], were assessed before and after treatment. In a subgroup of patients, blood samples were collected for CBD and THC plasma levels. Results The study included 56 patients, age 34.5 ±...

In ancient medicine, cannabis has been widely used to cure disturbances and inflammation of the bowel. A recent clinical study now shows that the medicinal plant Cannabis sativa has lived up to expectations and proved to be highly efficient in cases of inflammatory bowel diseases. In a prospective placebo-controlled study, it has been shown what has been largely anticipated from anecdotal reports, i.e. that cannabis produces significant clinical benefits in patients with Crohn’s disease. The mechanisms involved are not yet clear but most likely include peripheral actions on cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, and may also include central actions.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The marijuana plant Cannabis sativa has been reported to produce beneficial effects for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, but this has not been investigated in controlled trials. We performed a prospective trial to determine whether cannabis can induce remission in patients with Crohn’s disease. METHODS: We studied 21 patients (mean age, 40 – 14 y; 13 men) with Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores greater than 200 who did not respond to therapy with steroids, immunomodulators, or anti–tumor necrosis factor-a agents. Patients were assigned randomly to groups given cannabis, twice daily, in the form of cigarettes containing 115 mg of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol...

BACKGROUND: The marijuana plant cannabis is known to have therapeutic effects, including improvement of inflammatory processes. However, no report of patients using cannabis for Crohn's disease (CD) was ever published. OBJECTIVES: To describe the effects of cannabis use in patients suffering from CD. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study we examined disease activity, use of medication, need for surgery, and hospitalization before and after cannabis use in 30 patients (26 males) with CD. Disease activity was assessed by the Harvey Bradshaw index for Crohn's disease. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients 21 improved significantly after treatment with cannabis. The average Harvey Bradshaw index improved from...