It may come as a surprise to most of us – but marijuana is a powerful medicinal drug. Throughout history, it had been used for important human activities, especially in the treatment of serious health complications. Today, under the prescription of licensed physicians, individuals are given permission to use medical cannabis (marijuana) to remedy concerns on the human body as a result of certain illnesses.
Crohn’s disease is an illness that is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) alongside ulcerative colitis, primarily affecting the digestive system. People stricken with it often experience general tenderness and an inflammation on mostly the small intestine and colon, followed by symptoms both local (within the intestines) and systemic (symptoms affecting the whole body). These include long-lasting diarrhea ridden with blood, mucus or pus, fever, weight loss, bone deterioration, eye problems, skin problems, kidney and liver problems, and rectal bleeding. Much to the disdain of those afflicted, the disease has no permanent cure. However, its symptoms can be treated by medical marijuana.
The ability of marijuana to mitigate the complications of Crohn’s disease is thanks to over 500 compounds found in the drug itself. Called cannabinoids, each chemical has a corresponding effect on the human body. Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannanbinol (THC) are two of the most well-known cannabinoids in easing internal pain, as stated by the review in the March 2019 issue of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
A certain review of three different studies released in November 2018 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that there is a greater likelihood or reduced Crohn’s disease activity in people who smoked marijuana with increased levels of THC compared to those who smoked a version without THC. Another study from 2019 by the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that people who had taken marijuana recently were less likely to have active fistulizing disease or an intra-abdominal abscess (symptoms that appear on people with Crohn’s disease or IBDs). They are also less likely to require transfusions or operations related to the general health of the intestinal system. A larger study of similar design published in the 2019 journal Annals of Translational Medicine found people with Crohn’s disease who had taken cannab is regularly are less likely to be at risk by colorectal cancer, anemia, and parenteral nutrition (administering liquid nutrition in a patient’s bloodstream).
Indeed, the use of marijuana can relieve pain and anxiety as well as improving one’s appetite which Crohn’s disease had impaired. However, it is not advised to take it without a doctor’s consent. There must be a valid prescription from a certified physician-in-charge, which states that a patient’s condition merits the need for medical cannabis (and that the person is prepared to handle any side effects that might develop as a result of drug intake). After confirmation, the person is cleared to take in his/her required dosage of marijuana, whether it be by smoking, vaping, ingesting edibles, and applying topical cream/oil.
Proper discretion is advised while using medical cannabis. Drug intake should always be done with a trusted person’s supervision and should never be taken in or purchased on a whim. This ensures any person taking the drug stays happy, healthy and worry-free.
