Treating Crohn’s Disease with Medical Marijuana
Crohn’s disease is considered a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The small bowel and beginning of the colon are most commonly affected, however the entire thickness of the bowel wall can be affected as well. Crohn’s can as well affect any part of the gastrointestinal (also referred to as GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus. Some patients with Crohn’s will require surgery. Below are some symptoms that are most common with Crohn’s.
Symptoms related to inflammation of the GI tract:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgent need to move bowels
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Constipation
- Sense of incomplete bowel movement
- Fever
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Patient Education Committee has actually stated that there has been experimental evidence that endocannaboids, molecules that closely resemble those found in the marijuana plant, limits intestinal inflammation. A small study done reported that those who had abdominal surgery and/or chronic abdominal pain smoked marijuana to relieve their pain, and increased their quality of life by reducing the inflammation. At this time CCFA is not endorsing the use of medical marijuana, but have found the studies to be very promising.
If you are currently suffering from Crohn’s disease or any other IBD, or are currently receiving treatment for these conditions and would like to use medical marijuana for pain cessation, reducing inflammation, and improving your quality of life, you are eligible to apply for a medical marijuana identification card per the state guidelines.
As part of the qualification process, you must get written certification from a doctor licensed to practice medicine in the State of Arizona. Dr. Burns offers medical marijuana evaluations and can help patients gain safe access to marijuana for the treatment of a variety of conditions.
Call The Bien-Etre Center and schedule an appointment with Dr. Burns for your medical marijuana evaluation today.
