Ulcerative colitis medical cannabis treatment

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can be incredibly uncomfortable and debilitating to live with. Causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, as well as abdominal cramping and often painful or swollen joints, UC can have a great impact on quality of life, and unfortunately, for many traditional treatments remain ineffective - or induce unpleasant side effects. This has led some to consider exploring alternative options, including cannabis based Ulcerative colitis treatments - which are available to eligible patients at Releaf.

Am I eligible?

1/2 million

1/2 million people in the UK live with Chron’s or Colitis in the UK.

53%

[53% of respondents] with UC said their condition was controlling their lives in US chronic disease study.

90%

[90% of survey respondents] said IBD symptoms improved with cannabis based treatments.

Over ¾

Over ¾ of respondents said medical cannabis IBD treatments [improved abdominal cramping].

Symptoms

Abdominal pain

Blood, mucus or puss in stool.

Digestive issues

Extreme fatigue

Loss of appetite

Mouth ulcers

Painful and swollen joints

Reoccurring diarrhoea

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please speak with your GP to find out more.

Treatment options:

Depending on how severe ulcerative colitis is, treatment options vary, but their main aim stays the same: to reduce symptoms, and, keep them at bay for a period of time (symptom remission). This usually involves prescribing a combination of different medications along with designing a dietary or nutritional plan, but it can also include surgery.

Aminosalicylates

Azathioprine

Cickosporin

Etrasimod

Ozanimod

Prednisolone

Tacrolimus

Find out if you may be eligible for cannabis-based Ulcerative colitis treatments here
Am I eligible?

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A word from our specialist

“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 David Tang

Clinical Director

Find out if you may be eligible for cannabis-based Ulcerative colitis treatments here
Am I eligible?

Articles on Ulcerative colitis

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. 

19. 08. 2024

Exploring the benefits of medical cannabis for gastroenterological conditions

Conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract - often called gastroenterological conditions - can greatly affect an individual’s health and quality of life. Yet, despite being relatively common in the Western population, effective management of these conditions and their symptoms is often elusive. However, in recent years, emerging evidence has indicated that medical cannabis may have a role to play in reducing the burden of some of the most common gastroenterological conditions.

13. 10. 2022

How to get medical cannabis in the UK

Medicinal cannabis can provide excellent benefits for people suffering from many different conditions. Cannabis is a legitimate treatment for people who have found that other front-line medications have not worked for them. Medicinal cannabis is a topic that is not discussed very often in the UK, so many people will not know whether they can get it or not. In this article, we will answer your questions about how to get medical cannabis in the UK.

Can I get medical cannabis for ulcerative colitis in the UK?

Yes. If traditional treatments or conventional medicines have been unsuitable at meeting your needs and managing your UC symptoms, or have caused unpleasant side effects, you may be considered eligible for cannabis derived treatments at private healthcare clinics like Releaf. 

Medical cannabis has shown particular promise in helping to manage ulcerative colitis because of the way its natural chemicals interact with the human body, and the common symptoms associated with UC. 

For example, both CBD and THC have shown to have potential in alleviating inflammation and pain, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with chronic pain, cramping, and discomfort. 

And, when a person’s pain is effectively managed, it also tends to have a knock on effect in improving secondary concerns, or even comorbid conditions, such as sleeping disorders or poor mental health. But, medical cannabis has also shown to directly influence with these symptoms too, due to its sedative and mood uplifting qualities, taking what healthcare providers call ‘the multifaceted approach’. 

At Releaf, our team of expert doctors evaluate the symptoms our patients struggle with the most and find out more about their impact on daily life, they identify the treatments patients have previously tried and where they’ve failed, and then create a bespoke, personalised medical cannabis care plan for each individual. 

Monitoring their progress and treatment efficacy through regular follow-up appointments, our specialist doctors are here to help support you through the journey to find better health. To find out more about these options, or if you may be suitable for a medical cannabis  ulcerative colitis  care plan at Releaf, assess your eligibility today.

Learn how Releaf works