Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammation of any location in the gastrointestinal tract, but it most often affects the ending of the small bowel and the beginning of the large bowel. The symptoms of the disorder include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, fever, and sometimes rectal bleeding. Two-thirds to three-quarters of people with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some point in time.
What Causes Crohn’s Disease?
Researchers aren’t exactly sure of the precise cause or causes of Crohn’s disease. It’s thought high stress and dietary factors can trigger an episode of Crohn’s. Today, medical researchers believe both stress and diet are both aggravating factors, but not a direct cause of the disease. Some likely factors which could influence someone developing Crohn’s disease include:
- Family history
- Immune system health
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Lifestyle
- Northern clients
Crohn’s Disease Traditional Treatment Options
There is a growing awareness surrounding use of medical marijuana for disorders like Crohn’s disease. Many people with the disease are looking for natural remedies as a means of supplementing their current treatment.
Some of the most common treatment options for Crohn’s disease include the following:
- Nutritional supplements
- Fluid replacements
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Surgery to remove part of the digestive trac, including the rectum and colon
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Remicade
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
Medical Marijuana and Crohn’s Disease
Cannabis has many health benefits that could be useful and beneficial in treating Crohn’s disease. Two of the compounds in cannabis that provide health benefits are cannabidiol (CBD)and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive part found in cannabis that’s responsible for producing a “high” feeling for the user, while CBD is good for controlling anxiety, pain and it relieves nausea.
Some of the benefits that marijuana could address with Crohn’s disease:
- Reducing inflammation
- Increasing appetite
- Providing pain relief through analgesic effects
- Lowering anxiety
- Suppressing nausea and vomiting
Best Use of Cannabis for Crohn’s Disease
At this time, there’s not enough research to support recommending cannabis as a protocol for Crohn’s. Medical cannabis is an affordable, effective and natural option that’s helped thousands of people suffering from Crohn’s disease. If you or someone you love has Crohn’s and want to find out more information about medical marijuana, please contact our clinic for further assistance.
