Crohns and Colitis

Symptoms
Colitis is an inflammatory disease that occurs within the inner lining of the colon. Crohn’s is similar to Colitis but can appear anywhere within the digestive tract and often affects all layers of the bowel walls. Those suffering from Crohn’s or Colitis may experience: abdominal cramping and pain, weight and appetite loss, fever, fatigue, anemia, inability to defecate, or diarrhea, and inflamatory pain.

Benefits
The benefits of using cannabis for the treatment of Crohn’s and Colitis is that it offers relief from pain associated with cramping and inflammation, as well as general pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, especially CBD, reduce inflammation within the colon and the digestive track. This in turn allows the body to properly digest food and allow for regular bowl movements.

Patients with Crohn’s can sometimes suffer from “opportunistic” infections. CBD has antibacterial properties which may help with the prevention of these infections.

Treatment
Strains high in CBD (4% or higher) help reduce severe inflammation and discomfort within the digestive tract. Products containing doses of 30 mg of THC and 15 mg of CBD (2:1 ratio) have been shown to be the most beneficial in treating overall symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis.

Other options include topicals, which can be applied to the abdominal area to decrease pain and intestinal motility. Juicing the raw leaves of cannabis allows for the intake of THC-A, reducing the inflammation and symptoms associated with Crohn’s. It is also recommended to search for strains high in Myrcene as this terpene is loaded with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

There are a variety of oral products such as probiotics with CBD which work well for digestive distress.