Crohn's Disease

CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s is a bowel disease that affects approximately700,000 Americans. Patients with Crohn’s disease suffer from pain and irritation, but report that medical marijuana helps minimize the impact of these symptoms.

WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE?

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease causes the digestive tract to become inflamed, causing severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

While what causes Crohn’s disease is unknown, it does seem to be influenced by genetics; 20 percent of those with the disease have a close relative that also is afflicted. The disease is found in men and women equally, and symptoms can appear at any age, but usually begin between the ages of 15and 35.

Since Crohn’s disease is most often found in industrialized areas, it is thought that the environment or diet of processed foods may play a role in the disease. Stress, poor diet, and smoking may cause symptoms to worsen.

There is currently no cure available for the disease, but there are treatments that help with symptoms and can cause long-term remission. With proper therapies, many individuals with Crohn's disease find relief and live with few ill effects.

CROHN’S DISEASE SYMPTOMS

Individuals with Crohn’s disease may have periods of remission or few symptoms between flare-ups. When the disease is evident, symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain/cramps

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Fever

Malnutrition

Nausea

Weight loss

HOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA HELPS CROHN’S DISEASE PATIENTS

According to a study published by the Israel Medical Association Journal 2011 a study documented the effects of cannabis use on Crohn’s disease. After interviewing patients, researchers claimed:

“The results indicate that cannabis may have a positive effect on disease activity, as reflected by reduction in disease activity index and in the need for other drugs and surgery.”

Of the small study, it was shown that over two-thirds of patients improved “significantly” after treatment with cannabis, the need for other medication was “significantly reduced,” and “all patients stated that consuming cannabis had a positive effect on their disease condition.”

In addition to its results in treatment for the disease and its progression, medical marijuana may also be effectively used to treat Crohn’s disease symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.