Evidence Note: Evidence strength varies by condition. Chronic pain and epilepsy have the strongest clinical evidence base. Other conditions are treated based on specialist clinical judgement and emerging research. All prescriptions require specialist assessment.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting an estimated 115,000 people in the United Kingdom. It can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation, ulceration, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and significant impairment of quality of life. Despite advances in biologic therapies, a substantial proportion of patients experience ongoing symptoms or intolerance to standard treatments.
The Endocannabinoid System in the Gut
The gastrointestinal tract contains one of the highest densities of cannabinoid receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are expressed throughout the enteric nervous system and regulate gut motility, visceral pain, and mucosal inflammation. CB2 receptors are found on immune cells within the intestinal wall and play a key role in modulating the inflammatory response — highly relevant in Crohn’s disease.
Evidence for Cannabis in Crohn’s Disease
Multiple clinical studies have investigated cannabis in Crohn’s disease. A landmark 2013 RCT published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology demonstrated complete clinical remission in 45% of Crohn’s patients treated with cannabis cigarettes (containing 115mg THC) compared to 10% of placebo-treated patients. Patient-reported outcomes consistently show improvements in pain, nausea, appetite, and quality of life.
What Medical Cannabis Can Help With in Crohn’s
Abdominal pain and cramping
Nausea and appetite stimulation
Diarrhoea frequency reduction
Sleep disturbance related to nocturnal symptoms
Anxiety associated with the condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can medical cannabis treat Crohn's disease?
Medical cannabis can significantly improve symptoms of Crohn's disease u2014 particularly pain, nausea, and appetite u2014 though it is not established as a primary anti-inflammatory treatment. A 2013 RCT found 45% of Crohn's patients achieved complete clinical remission with cannabis treatment compared to 10% with placebo. It is typically used as an adjunct to, rather than replacement for, conventional Crohn's treatment.
Is medical cannabis for Crohn's disease available in the UK?
Yes. A GMC-registered gastroenterologist or specialist cannabis clinician can prescribe cannabis-based medicines for Crohn's disease. You can self-refer to a cannabis clinic without a GP referral. The specialist will review your Crohn's history, current medications, and symptom burden before prescribing.
Will medical cannabis interact with my Crohn's medication?
Cannabis-based medicines can generally be used alongside most IBD medications including mesalazine, azathioprine, and biologic agents (infliximab, adalimumab). However, cannabinoids are metabolised via CYP450 enzymes which some IBD drugs also use u2014 your prescribing specialist will review potential interactions.
What cannabinoid formulation is best for Crohn's disease?
Most gastroenterology-focused cannabis prescribers use balanced CBD:THC oral preparations for Crohn's disease. CBD provides anti-inflammatory and antinauseant effects; THC provides direct analgesic and appetite-stimulating action via CB1 receptors in the gut. Vaporised preparations can provide rapid relief during acute flares.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Our GMC-registered specialists assess each patient individually. Book a consultation to discuss whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition.
