Study Finds 86.8% of IBS and IBD Patients Report Cannabis Relieves Their Inflammation and Pains
Introduction
Digestive health disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are increasingly prevalent worldwide, affecting millions of people and significantly impacting quality of life. IBD includes chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, while IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits without inflammation.
Conventional treatment options often fail to fully resolve symptoms for many patients, leading to growing interest in alternative approaches. One emerging area of research focuses on medical cannabis and CBD oil for managing digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, stress, and inflammation.
A recent survey published in Academic Medicine (San Francisco) has revealed promising insights: 86.8% of IBD patients reported significant relief from inflammation and pain after using cannabis or CBD oil. While direct research on IBS remains limited, early findings suggest many IBS patients may experience similar benefits.
This article explores the study’s findings, explains how cannabis may help manage digestive symptoms, and discusses the potential, limitations, and future of cannabinoid-based therapies.
Understanding IBS and IBD
What Is IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract, which can significantly affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall quality of life. It primarily includes two major conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease (CD): Involves inflammation that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, often affecting deeper layers of the bowel wall.
Ulcerative colitis (UC): Limited to the colon and rectum, causing continuous inflammation and ulcers on the inner lining of the colon.
IBD symptoms can vary in type, severity, and frequency, depending on the location and extent of inflammation. These symptoms often come in flares, where periods of worsening are followed by phases of remission.
Common Symptoms of IBD
1. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
One of the most frequent symptoms, affecting up to 80% of patients.
Pain is caused by inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms in the intestinal walls.
In Crohn’s disease, pain is often felt in the lower right abdomen, while in ulcerative colitis, it’s usually lower left-sided.
Severity ranges from mild discomfort to intense, debilitating pain that disrupts daily activities.
2. Persistent Diarrhea
Inflammation in the digestive tract interferes with normal water absorption, resulting in frequent loose stools.
Some patients experience bloody diarrhea due to ulceration of the intestinal lining.
In severe flare-ups, diarrhea may occur 10–15 times per day, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
3. Rectal Bleeding and Mucus in Stool
Common in ulcerative colitis and in Crohn’s disease affecting the colon.
Bleeding occurs when ulcers form along the intestinal lining.
Patients may also notice mucus discharge or clots in the stool, which can be alarming and emotionally distressing.
4. Fatigue and Weakness
Chronic inflammation places stress on the immune system, often leading to severe tiredness.
Blood loss from rectal bleeding and malabsorption of nutrients also contribute to anemia, a leading cause of fatigue in IBD patients.
According to recent surveys, up to 75% of IBD patients experience persistent fatigue even during remission.
5. Unintended Weight Loss
Malabsorption of nutrients caused by chronic intestinal inflammation leads to progressive weight loss.
Loss of appetite, nausea, and changes in bowel habits further compound nutritional deficiencies.
In Crohn’s disease, weight loss tends to be more severe due to inflammation occurring throughout the digestive tract.
6. Fever and Night Sweats
Low-grade fevers are common during flares and are a sign of active inflammation.
In severe cases, persistent fever may indicate infection, abscess formation, or complications requiring urgent medical care.
Some patients report night sweats linked to immune system hyperactivity.
7. Nausea and Vomiting
Particularly common in Crohn’s disease when inflammation narrows sections of the intestines, causing partial obstructions.
Nausea may also stem from medications, especially corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
8. Joint Pain and Body Aches
Around 30% of IBD patients experience joint pain due to systemic inflammation.
This symptom is part of a group of conditions known as extraintestinal manifestations, where IBD affects areas beyond the gut.
9. Skin, Eye, and Oral Symptoms
IBD can also cause symptoms outside the digestive system:
Skin rashes and lesions, such as erythema nodosum or pyoderma gangrenosum.
Eye inflammation leading to redness, pain, or blurred vision.
Mouth ulcers caused by inflammation or nutritional deficiencies.
10. Emotional and Mental Health Effects
Chronic pain, unpredictable flare-ups, and lifestyle disruptions often lead to:
Anxiety about symptoms in social or work settings.
Depression due to the ongoing burden of disease.
Sleep disturbances from nighttime symptoms and medication side effects.
IBD Symptom Patterns
IBD typically follows a relapsing-remitting pattern:
Flares: Periods of worsening symptoms caused by immune overactivity.
Remission: Periods where symptoms improve or disappear entirely, though inflammation may persist at low levels.
Triggers: Stress, infections, poor diet, and medication changes can contribute to flare-ups.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) differs from IBD in that it does not cause inflammation or permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, IBS is classified as a functional bowel disorder, marked by:
Bloating
Gas
Abdominal discomfort
Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between both)
While not life-threatening, IBS can severely affect quality of life. Treatments often involve dietary changes, stress management, and medications targeting bowel motility.
The IBD Cannabis Study: Key Findings
A recent cross-sectional survey of 139 participants—including 106 IBD patients and 33 non-IBD controls—investigated cannabis and CBD oil usage patterns, perceptions, and reported outcomes. The study provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of cannabinoid use in digestive health to date.
Cannabis Use Is Common Among IBD Patients
53.8% of IBD patients reported using cannabis.
40.6% used CBD oil.
86.8% of IBD patients and 84.9% of controls supported medical cannabis use.
Reported Symptom Relief
Of the 60 IBD patients that responded:
Abdominal pain relief: 56.7% reported some to complete relief.
Other pain relief: 70.0% reported meaningful improvement.
Stress reduction: 72.9% noticed lower stress levels.
Anxiety relief: 60.0% experienced reduced anxiety.
Nausea and vomiting relief: 50.0% reported significant improvement.
CBD oil users reported slightly lower but still positive results:
Other pain relief: 56.7%
Stress relief: 39.7%
Abdominal pain relief: 36.2%
Crohn’s Patients Report Greater Benefits
Participants with Crohn’s disease reported significantly better outcomes compared to those with ulcerative colitis, particularly for:
Abdominal pain
Anxiety
Depression
Nausea and vomiting
Additional Positive Outcomes
Of the 62 participants:
Opioid reduction: 33.9% of IBD patients reported decreased opioid use after starting cannabis or CBD.
Increased appetite: 62.9% noticed improved appetite.
Weight gain: 21% reported positive weight restoration.
Cannabis and IBS: Emerging Research
While this survey focused on IBD, growing evidence supports cannabis’s potential role in IBS symptom management as well.
Visceral pain reduction: Cannabinoids may reduce hypersensitivity in the gut, easing abdominal discomfort.
Improved motility: Some studies suggest cannabis can regulate bowel movements, particularly in IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant) patients.
Stress and anxiety control: Since stress can worsen IBS symptoms, cannabis’s anxiolytic properties may indirectly improve gut function.
A review published in the British Journal of Pharmacology suggests that activating cannabinoid receptors may normalize gut sensitivity and motility, paving the way for IBS-specific clinical trials.
How Cannabis Works: The Science Behind Symptom Relief
Cannabis has shown promising potential in relieving symptoms of IBS and IBD, but understanding how it works requires looking at the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex biological system plays a vital role in maintaining balance, or homeostasis, across multiple processes, including digestion, inflammation, pain regulation, stress response, and immune function.
Cannabis contains more than 100 bioactive compounds called cannabinoids, the most studied being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the ECS to influence how the body processes pain, inflammation, and stress—three key components driving IBS and IBD symptoms.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and Digestive Health
The ECS consists of three main components:
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)
Endocannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds produced by the body)
Enzymes responsible for creating and breaking down endocannabinoids
These components work together to regulate digestive and immune functions, making the ECS a critical therapeutic target for IBS and IBD.
CB1 Receptors: Primarily found in the central nervous system and along the gastrointestinal tract. They influence:
Intestinal motility (how quickly food moves through the gut)
Nausea and vomiting regulation
Pain perception
CB2 Receptors: Located mostly in immune cells and the gut lining. They help:
Reduce inflammation by suppressing overactive immune responses
Control immune-related gut damage seen in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
In IBS and IBD, the ECS often becomes dysregulated, meaning it produces fewer natural endocannabinoids or has reduced receptor activity. Cannabis-derived cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, can help restore balance by mimicking the body’s natural compounds.
How THC Helps IBS and IBD Patients
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, but its effects extend far beyond creating a “high.” For patients with digestive disorders, THC plays several important roles:
Pain Relief: THC activates CB1 receptors in the gut and nervous system, helping block pain signals caused by intestinal inflammation and spasms.
Reducing Nausea and Vomiting: THC influences brain centers responsible for nausea, making it especially useful for IBD patients experiencing flare-ups or treatment-related discomfort.
Improving Appetite: THC stimulates appetite-regulating pathways, helping counteract unintended weight loss and malnutrition common in severe IBD.
Stress and Anxiety Management: Since stress can worsen both IBS and IBD symptoms, THC’s calming effect can indirectly improve digestive function.
How CBD Supports Gut Health
Unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating and widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. In the IBD study, 40.6% of patients reported using CBD oil, with many experiencing significant symptom relief.
Key therapeutic actions of CBD include:
Reducing Gut Inflammation: CBD interacts with CB2 receptors and other immune pathways, lowering inflammatory markers that drive flare-ups.
Improving Gut Barrier Function: Research shows CBD may enhance intestinal lining integrity, reducing “leaky gut” symptoms linked to IBD.
Relieving Anxiety and Stress: CBD supports serotonin signaling, improving mood and reducing stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.
Supporting Energy and Fatigue: By modulating immune activity, CBD may help reduce fatigue caused by chronic inflammation.
Synergistic Effects of THC and CBD
One of the most exciting findings in cannabis research is the “entourage effect”—the idea that cannabinoids like THC and CBD work better together than in isolation. For IBS and IBD patients, this synergy can offer:
Faster pain relief
Stronger anti-inflammatory benefits
Improved anxiety management
Better appetite regulation
Patients often achieve optimal results with balanced THC:CBD formulations, which combine symptom control with fewer psychoactive side effects.
Different Methods of Using Cannabis for Digestive Disorders
The method of cannabis administration can significantly influence effectiveness and symptom relief:
Inhalation (vaping or smoking): Fastest onset, ideal for immediate symptom control, but may irritate sensitive lungs.
Edibles and Capsules: Longer-lasting effects, better for maintaining stable relief throughout the day.
Sublingual Oils and Tinctures: Provide quick absorption without inhalation, making them a preferred choice for many medical patients.
Topical and Rectal Formulations: Used in certain severe cases to directly target inflammation in localized intestinal regions.
Safety, Risks, and Considerations
While promising, cannabis therapy is not risk-free. Patients considering cannabis for IBS or IBD should consult qualified medical professionals.
Potential Side Effects
Dry mouth
Drowsiness or dizziness
Temporary increases in heart rate
Rare cases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), involving severe nausea and vomiting from heavy, long-term use.
Evidence Gaps
Limited randomized clinical trials: Most findings are based on patient-reported outcomes rather than controlled studies.
Variability in products: Differences in cannabis strains, CBD concentrations, and delivery methods make standardized dosing difficult.
Inflammation markers: While many patients report symptom relief, few studies demonstrate objective reductions in intestinal inflammation.
What This Means for Patients
The results of the survey underscore a powerful trend: patients are increasingly turning to cannabis and CBD oil for managing digestive symptoms when conventional therapies fall short. While the evidence base is growing, cannabis should currently be considered a complementary therapy, ideally used alongside physician-guided treatment plans.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis in Digestive Care
Researchers agree on one thing: more high-quality studies are urgently needed. Future priorities include:
Large-scale randomized controlled trials.
Standardizing cannabis formulations for research and clinical care.
Exploring cannabinoid effects on gut microbiota and immune modulation.
Understanding long-term safety profiles in IBS and IBD populations.
Conclusion
The survey provides compelling insights into the potential benefits of cannabis and CBD oil for managing pain, inflammation, and stress in IBS and IBD patients. With over 50% reporting meaningful symptom relief, the findings highlight the growing role of cannabinoid-based therapies in digestive health.
However, while patient-reported outcomes are promising, clinical evidence remains mixed. As research continues to evolve, patients considering cannabis should seek professional guidance and ensure safe, informed use.
FAQs
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Yes. According to a recent study, over 50% of patients with IBD reported meaningful relief from inflammation, abdominal pain, nausea, and stress after using cannabis or CBD oil. While direct research on IBS is more limited, early evidence suggests cannabis may also ease gut discomfort and regulate bowel habits. However, effects vary by individual, and medical supervision is recommended.
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Cannabis primarily helps with symptom relief, such as reducing pain, nausea, and stress, but its anti-inflammatory effects are still being studied. THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to influence immune responses and potentially lower inflammation in the gut. However, current evidence suggests that while many patients feel better, clinical markers of inflammation don’t always improve. More research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
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Both THC and CBD can be beneficial, but they work differently. THC is often more effective for pain relief, nausea, and appetite stimulation, while CBD is known for reducing inflammation, stress, and anxiety without causing a “high.” Many patients achieve the best results with balanced THC:CBD products for combined benefits and fewer side effects. Your doctor can help determine the right ratio based on your symptoms.
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Yes, for some patients. The IBD study found that 33.9% of participants who used cannabis or CBD oil reported reduced opioid use or even entering remission. This suggests that cannabis may serve as a complementary option to lower dependency on stronger pain medications. However, cannabis should never replace prescribed therapies without consulting a healthcare provider.
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Cannabis is generally well-tolerated when used responsibly, but safety depends on dosage, formulation, and individual health conditions. Possible side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, changes in appetite, and, rarely, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) with heavy long-term use. Since cannabis may interact with other medications, it’s important to discuss usage with a qualified medical professional. Always use products from reputable, lab-tested sources.
