1 in 5
adults in the UK are believed to have irritable bowel syndrome
Up to 70%
of IBS patients suffer from moderate to severe abdominal pain
Over 50%
reduction in abdominal pain scores after cannabis-based treatment
Over ⅔
of UK adults would consider medical cannabis treatments
Symptoms
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Constipation
Cramping
Diarrhoea
Inconsistent bowel movements
Trouble gaining/retaining weight
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
There are a number of treatments that can be used to help manage or regulate the fluctuating symptoms commonly experienced by those IBS patients, but typically making dietary or lifestyle changes are the first thing recommended by GPs. Sometimes IBS goes away on its own, or the symptoms become manageable, but for some the opposite can happen and medications or prescribed treatments are required to help with IBS. Medical cannabis treatments are legal and suitable for some IBS patients in the UK, but only when traditional or conventional routes have been exhausted.
Antidiarrhoeal medicines
Antispasmodic medicines
Laxatives
Linaclotide
Loperamide
Mebeverine hydrochloride
Polyethylene glycol (PEG))
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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"IBS - irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients go through many tests and medications to have all other conditions ruled out and unfortunately still remain symptomatic whereby traditional medications are not helping and the patient's quality of life daily is affected severely. With Medical cannabis and it's complex mechanism of action on the internal cannabinoid system we can help alleviate the abdominal discomfort and pain, nausea, flare ups, assist with sleep and improve the quality of life that has been lost."
Dr Mivy Jaspal
Generalist
28. 07. 2023
There are over three million people in the UK estimated to be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its variety of symptoms. More and more treatments for the currently incurable condition are being sought, with one of the increasingly popular treatment options being medical cannabis, and one of the major cannabinoids produced by the plant - cannabidiol (CBD).
28. 07. 2023
09. 08. 2023
Medical cannabis for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a growing area of clinical interest, particularly for patients who have been unable to find relief from conventional treatments. But can cannabis actually support IBS symptoms?
The honest answer is this: the evidence is still fairly limited, but certain IBS patients have reported some improvements in symptoms like abdominal pain, cramps, and gut motility issues when taking medical cannabis.
09. 08. 2023
05. 08. 2023
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05. 08. 2023
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive conditions in the UK, yet it can be debilitating and distressing for those experiencing it. Symptoms include painful stomach cramps, unpredictable bowel movements, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.
There is currently no cure for IBS, and the condition is usually managed via anti-diarrhoea medicine, laxatives, painkillers, and lifestyle changes. Some people find that changing their diet can help, but many are looking for alternative treatments for IBS that could, potentially, improve their quality of life. Medical cannabis could represent a new approach for patients, offering possible pain relief and improved digestive function, in some cases.
A consultant may prescribe medical cannabis for IBS if they believe it can help alleviate the intensity of symptoms such as pain, cramps, and the anxiety caused by unpredictable bowel motions.
Symptoms associated with IBS include:
|
IBS symptoms |
How symptom presents |
How medical cannabis for IBS may help |
|
Pain is a common symptom of IBS. Stomach cramps and bloating cause intense discomfort. Constipation can also cause pain, both external and internal. |
Medical cannabis is often prescribed for chronic pain, due to the potential anti-inflammatory properties of compounds found within the medicine. |
|
|
Cramps |
IBS patients often experience cramps, especially after eating food. Cramps are painful muscle spasms that can be challenging to manage. |
Research shows that medical cannabis has anti-spasmodic properties which could, for some people, help offer relief from constant cramping. |
|
A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reported that many IBS patients suffer from poor sleep, and that a bad night’s sleep often worsens IBS symptoms the next day. Intestinal pain and discomfort can lead to insomnia, frequent nighttime waking, and even nightmares. |
Some patients find medical cannabis helps improve their sleep, reducing fatigue and improving their mood. |
|
|
|
Unpredictable bowel movements and the fear of pain can lead to intense worry, stress, and persistent feelings of being on edge and unable to relax. |
You may be prescribed medical cannabis for IBS if you suffer from anxiety. Research from 2025 suggests that medical cannabis may offer a therapeutic effect for both generalised and social anxiety disorders. |
|
Dealing with a long-term, chronic digestive condition can lead to feelings of despair and a low mood that continues for more than several weeks. |
Medical cannabis contains compounds that could potentially regulate the systems associated with improved mood. |
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors and compounds produced by your body that bind to those receptors. The ECS is associated with multiple aspects of your health, from your immune system to sleep, appetite, and mood regulation.
A 2022 article in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology explains that the ECS is critical for maintaining “intestinal homeostasis.” In other words, the ECS is part of what determines whether your gut is healthy or not. An unbalanced ECS could lead to impaired intestinal permeability, which affects fluid secretion and your immune response.
Medical cannabis contains compounds called phytocannabinoids, which closely resemble the endocannabinoids found in the human ECS. These phytocannabinoids, including THC and CBD, could have a positive impact on the ECS, promoting homeostasis and potentially alleviating some of the symptoms associated with IBS.
THC is just one of the compounds found in medical cannabis. There are over 500 compounds in the cannabis plant, including at least 140 cannabinoids that have been identified so far. The two most well-known are THC and CBD, with THC responsible for the “high” feeling that cannabis can cause at high doses.
The reason some experts are interested in the application of THC for IBS is because of what happens when THC binds to CB1 receptors in the ECS. These receptors are associated with digestive health, pain perception, and appetite. A 2019 article published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility stated that cannabinoids like THC were linked to slower intestinal motility, which may suggest that administering THC for IBS could help with problems like diarrhoea.
However, THC isn’t the only potentially beneficial compound in medical cannabis. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology stated that CBD helped protect the intestinal barrier from oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting possible applications of CBD for IBS and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) management.
When considering medical cannabis for IBS UK patients may wonder what other research there is that shows the potential effectiveness of this medication. Several studies have shown that medical cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties and could help with the management of pain, sleeplessness, and even the underlying causes of some digestive complaints.
|
Study |
Findings |
|
Endocannabinoid system in irritable bowel syndrome and cannabis as a therapy, 2020
|
This article explains the role of the ECS in IBS, and states that medical cannabis modulates inflammation and immunity, so could potentially be an effective IBS treatment. The conclusion recommends further research. |
|
Targeting the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome, 2022 |
This review article notes the clinical challenges associated with managing IBS pain, and that some patients are already self-administering cannabis to deal with this pain. The article concludes that evidence supports the use of medication that impacts the ECS for IBS pain management. |
|
Patients who lose sleep due to IBS may be interested to learn that this systematic review found that cannabinoids were linked to improved sleep, even for those with chronic pain. |
|
|
Pain is a common symptom of IBS. While this study focused on musculoskeletal pain, it shows that medical cannabis has promise for pain management and fatigue reduction across a range of conditions. |
The type of medical cannabis you may be prescribed will largely depend on your personal preference. If you dislike inhaling medication, for example, you might be better off avoiding vapes and opting for pastilles or capsules. Releaf offers medical cannabis for IBS in the following formats:
· Oils
· Pastilles
· Dried flower for vaporisers
When you speak to a Releaf consultant, you’ll discuss the right dosage to offer potential symptom management, how to take your medicine, and when your next follow-up might be.
Many patient stories offer hope for people struggling with the distressing symptoms of IBS. One Releaf patient had this to say:
“ I've lived with this problem: either intense diarrhoea or intense constipation. I've tried everything. I've exhausted other options. I've tried the dietitian. I've tried medicinal chemist-type products, and nothing worked. I'm just so pleased with the results that I'm happy to tell anybody.” Anthony, a Releaf patient.
There are now many conditions medical cannabis can be prescribed for in the UK, including IBS, in some cases. Medical cannabis could offer some relief for pain, sleeplessness, and even the anxiety associated with this unpredictable condition.
Check if medical cannabis is an option for you by heading to the eligibility checker on the Releaf website. Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, evidenced by our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Our world-class clinical team includes more than 50 specialists, many of whom have years of experience dealing with gastroenterological conditions like IBS.
How Releaf pricing works: You can buy your medication on a pay-as-you-go basis, or sign up for Releaf+. Once you’ve paid for your first consultation, Releaf+ includes all your prescription charges and deliveries, and discounted medication. Releaf+ members also get access to a rewards scheme and legal advice on all aspects of medical cannabis via Releaf Protect.
Whichever plan you opt for, you’ll be eligible for a UK medical cannabis card. This is a free-of-charge document which comes to you once you’ve paid for your first prescription. It’s delivered separately from your medication and can take 3-5 days to arrive. While a medical cannabis card doesn’t guarantee that the police won’t stop you, it can help you quickly identify yourself as a legal medical cannabis patient. Releaf also offers advice on when you may need to apply for travel certificates.
If you’re ready to join the 240,000+ Releaf community and learn more about medical cannabis for IBS UK patients, fill out the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team.
Releaf - Redefining healthcare
Yes, in some cases you may be prescribed medical cannabis for IBS and other conditions or symptoms. IBS and IBD commonly occur together, and some people may find that medical cannabis can help manage symptoms associated with both conditions.
No, the best advice is always to take or stop taking medications in consultation with a medical professional. Your Releaf consultant will consider any existing medication plan before prescribing medical cannabis, and will advise you accordingly on your next steps.
There is no cure for the condition at this time, either through conventional medicine or alternative treatments for IBS. However, medical cannabis could, for some patients, help alleviate the intensity of pain and cramps, and associated symptoms such as anxiety and sleeplessness.
