Regulation Works: UK Patients Report Improvements after Medical Cannabis Treatment

According to research published in the Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, UK patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have reported significant improvements after using medical cannabis.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease primarily refers to two types of chronic autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Both conditions cause symptoms that vary from patient to patient, with the most common including:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Depression

Additionally, this chronic condition often leads to poor nutrient absorption, which can result over time in other ailments like arthritis and joint pain. According to statistics, more than 500,000 people in the UK are currently living with IBD.

Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This is not the first study to explore the potential of cannabis for managing IBD. Since this condition has no cure, the scientific community has focused on symptom management to improve the quality of life of patients.

Cannabis has emerged as an effective alternative for alleviating symptoms. In fact, another study conducted in 2023 (1) found that 85% of participants reported improvement of symptoms after using cannabis. This is believed to result from the interaction of cannabinoids with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors in the body that regulates key functions such as inflammation and pain. However, further research is still needed to determine the exact mechanisms through which cannabinoids act on this condition.

For now, the initial results of this study are particularly promising, as patients reported the following benefits:

Reduced inflammation

Pain relief

Improved sleep and appetite

Reduced anxiety, especially with the consumption of THC-rich products.

The evidence gathered in the UK for this study illustrates the positive impact of medical cannabis regulation in the country. These results not only highlight the potential of medical cannabis for managing certain conditions, but also the importance of undergoing treatment under professional supervision.

Side Effects of Treating IBD with Medical Cannabis

In another study conducted in 2022 in the United States (3), IBD patients similarly reported significant improvement of symptoms.

Among the 236 participants, most reported a reduction in emergency room visits within 12 months of using medical cannabis, along with a notable reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life.

The majority of patients used cannabis products with high THC levels, with 78% opting for distillates for vaping. The most common side effects reported in this study included:

• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Memory lapses
• Dry mouth Anxiety and paranoia

These side effects are thought to result from the high THC doses – hence the need for more clinical research to determine which cannabinoids and dosages are most effective while minimising adverse effects.

How to Access Medical Cannabis in the UK

To ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment, medical cannabis should always be used under medical supervision. In the UK, access is regulated through the following steps:

• Medical consultation: Patients must be evaluated by a specialist registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
• Prescription: Medical cannabis can only be prescribed if patients meet specific medical criteria.
• Specialised clinics: Only approved NHS centres and private clinics can offer this treatment.
• Strict quality standards: Medical cannabis products must comply with stringent safety and quality standards.
• Patient education: Organisations such as the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society provide guidance on the safe use of cannabis.

Despite Legalisation, Patients Still Face Challenges

In November 2018, England, a country with long-standing prohibitionist views, made a significant step forward by legalising medical cannabis. However, patients still face several hurdles:

• Persistent stigma: Despite legalisation, societal stigma persists, compounded by a lack of professional training, which limits the number of specialists authorised to prescribe cannabis. In addition, the lack of extensive clinical trials and long-term studies has led some general practitioners to be reluctant to recommend this treatment.
• Supply issues: Supply shortages are common, sometimes forcing patients to seek alternatives on the black market.
• Bureaucratic barriers: Administrative processes for accessing cannabis treatments can be lengthy and discouraging.
• High cost: Some patients turn to private clinics, where treatment costs range from £300 to £800 per month.
• Social prejudice: Despite the progress made in recent years, there is still a lot of prejudice against cannabis. As a result, some patients are hesitant about choosing this treatment option.

Despite these challenges, more and more IBD patients in the UK are turning to cannabis as a natural and effective alternative for managing their condition. This trend underscores the success of legalisation, offering a safer and fairer system for patients. Looking ahead, we hope legalisation continues to expand worldwide, ensuring safe and regulated access for those who need it most.

References

1. Velez-Santiago, A.; Alvarez-Torres, E.; et al. A Survey of Cannabis Use among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065129
2. Rauf, A.; Nisar, M.; et al. The Potential of Cannabis in Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Cureus 2024. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.71068
3. Greywoode, R.; Cunningham, C.; et al. Medical Cannabis Use Patterns and Adverse Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0000000000001782