Medical Cannabis for Gastroenterological Conditions

Medical Cannabis for Gastroenterological Conditions

Your digestive and gut health can have a profound effect on the quality of your daily life health. Evidence suggests that cannabis-based treatments could help the symptoms of IBS, fibromyalgia, and gut disorders like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Available in the UK since 2018 on prescription from specialist doctors like those that work for Releaf, cannabis-based treatment plans can be carefully curated to the individual, to ensure their unique needs are met.

Am I eligible?

Gastroenterological

Inflammatory digestive disorders are on the rise in the UK, with up to 70% of IBS patients suffering regularly from moderate to severe abdominal pain. Gastro conditions can be difficult to manage and the nature of the symptoms causes discomfort, disruption, and emotional distress. When dietary and lifestyle changes and traditional anti-inflammatories and steroids are not enough, cannabis-based treatments could be life-changing.

How Can Cannabis-Based Treatments Help?

Medical cannabis is a rich source of cannabinoids and some of the most potentially beneficial cannabinoids occur in the gut. Cannabinoids, most notably CBD, have been shown to offer anti-inflammatory properties that may play a role in maintaining gut health and digestive function. Gastrointestinal conditions can be triggered or worsened by chronic stress and anxiety. Both CBD and THC have been linked to reducing stress and having a calming effect on the mind.

12%

Of Brits are affected by inflammatory bowel syndrome.

10 million

People worldwide could live with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

90%

Of those surveyed said IBD symptoms improved with CBPMs.

<3/4

of respondents said medical cannabis IBD treatments improved abdominal cramping.

Articles on Gastroenterological

29. 08. 2023

Understanding the link between cannabinoids and the digestive tract

The cannabis sativa L. plant is one of the most versatile, and potentially therapeutically beneficial types of flora to ever grace this pale blue dot we call home. It is one of the fastest-growing plants, takes less water to cultivate than the vast majority of other crops, and has a wide range of applications due to not only the presence of cannabinoids, but also its true variability in terms of the production of textiles, paper products, and food items.

13. 07. 2023

How effective is cannabis for ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a persistent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterised by inflammation in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. This chronic condition has a diverse range of symptoms. These include diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and general discomfort. The severity of these symptoms can fluctuate significantly. 

28. 07. 2023

What you need to know about cannabis and Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue. The condition can be difficult to manage, and traditional treatment methods may not always be effective. This has led some people to explore alternative, complementary therapies, such as medical cannabis.

What our patients say about us

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    I've actually been on this journey since about 12 years old, when I first started getting my period. From my very first period, I experienced more than normal levels of pain, and I was bleeding throughout the month. Read more

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  • Omar's story: how treating both mind and body led to IBS solutions

    Omar, 31, is a theatre director who, for years, has battled chronic pain and discomfort due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. His story is an important one, because it highlights the difference between the holistic approach to healing that Releaf provides, and the conventional one that focuses on physical symptoms. Read more

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    Jacqueline's health journey has been one of setbacks, surgeries, and ongoing struggles with arthritis and chronic pain, both of which contributed to mental health challenges. Read more

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    Like so many people in the UK looking for alternative treatments for chronic nerve pain, Peter wasn’t aware that medical cannabis had been available in the UK on prescription since 2018. For years, he suffered with trigeminal neuralgia, an excruciating nerve condition, until a chance encounter that led him to Releaf’s doors, where he connected with doctors who understood the complexity of his condition. Read more

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  • Ethan’s story: Reclaiming mobility after a work-related back injury

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  • Maruis’s Story: Stability and Relief with Medical Cannabis Treatment

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  • Ollie's story: ADHD solutions for a father of three

    Ollie is a 38-year-old father of three whose diagnosis with ADHD came only a year ago, sparking a profound reflection on the coping mechanisms he had adopted throughout his youth—most notably, his battle with alcoholism that led to a life-altering arrest for drink-driving at the age of 25 Read more

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  • Hannah’s story: From pharmaceutical panic to plant-based positivity

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  • Chaos’s Story: From Fibromyalgia Pain to Relief with Medical Cannabis

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  • Thomas’ Story: Allowing himself the space to relax through the fog of anxiety

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  • Into the Woods: Ryan’s story of pain and perseverance

    Ryan’s passion is the outdoors, and there’s nothing he loves more than a long hike through the forest with his trusty dog. For years, Ryan’s pain disconnected him from the natural world. Now, his recent treatment with medical cannabis is finally offering hope. Read more

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  • Ben’s story: Freedom from pharmaceuticals with medical cannabis

    Ben had been battling anxiety and depression for nearly two decades when, seven years ago, he was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Despite years of being prescribed pharmaceutical treatment options like SSRIs and opioids, he still felt weighed down by their side effects. Read more

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  • Elisei's story: A father turns to medical cannabis to heal from a work-related injury

    Have you ever been forced to work through an injury? To just grin and bear it? This is a decision that thousands of people in the UK face every day. For so many of our patients suffering with chronic pain, taking months off work to heal from work injuries was never a realistic option. Read more

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  • Lauren’s Story: Freedom from anxiety and arrest

    For far too many patients in the UK, finding legal treatment options that are effective and without the burden of heavy side effects can be difficult. To add to the struggle, navigating the complex healthcare and legal systems can often leave patients feeling lost and alone. Read more

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  • Matt's Story: From curly kale to medical cannabis, how Michelin star chef Matt manages his MS

    As humans, we like to learn from others because we feel inspired by them, because there is strength in numbers, and that’s something we’re naturally comforted by. And, at Releaf, sharing patient voices and their experiences with medical cannabis is something we’re committed to, for exactly these reasons. We want to champion our patient’s voices to diversity the conversation, covering all sorts of health conditions treatable with medical cannabis, by speaking to patients one on one about how their health, life, and overall wellbeing, has changed since becoming a Releaf patient. Read more

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  • You’ll be Supported By an Expert Medical Team

    There is increasing evidence that medical cannabis can reduce the intensity of symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, albeit without altering what the condition looks like under the microscope. Irritable bowel syndrome similarly, although a distinct condition from both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, can be calmed down considerably by means of cannabinoid therapy.

    Dr. Tang discussing medical cannabis treatment options in a professional setting
    Dr David Tang

    Clinical Director

    Common gastroenterological symptoms

    Abdominal pain

    Bloating

    Changes to bowel habits

    Difficulty swallowing

    Excessive gas

    Heartburn

    Nausea

    Rectal bleeding

    Unintended weight loss

    Vomiting

    Weakness and fatigue

    It's important to note that these symptoms are general and may not be exclusive to any specific gastroenterological condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.

    Common gastroenterological conditions
    If you’re looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, cannabis-based treatments could be the answer to restore your quality of life. The first step is to find out if you’re eligible.
    Am I eligible?