Crohn’s disease is a specific type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). When you have Crohn’s disease, you experience inflammation in different areas of your digestive tract. This leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person, and you can have periods of remission without any problems at all.
At Metro Pain Centers, our team provides comprehensive solutions for all types of complex conditions, including Crohn’s disease. If traditional therapies haven’t helped you in the past, it could be time to try medical marijuana.
How medical marijuana works
Medical marijuana — or medical cannabis — is a plant-based therapy containing numerous therapeutic substances, including cannabinoids. These substances interact with your endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate many processes in your body, including:
- Mood, emotion, and stress response
- Appetite and gastrointestinal motility
- Immune function
- Pain
The unique properties of cannabis have made it a highly valued medical therapy for centuries. In fact, evidence suggests the first uses of marijuana in medicine began around 400 A.D. And, in the United States, its medical use dates back to the 19th century.
In recent years, more and more states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, including New York and New Jersey. They each have their own regulations, but you can obtain a medical marijuana license through your state for qualifying conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Medical marijuana and Crohn’s disease
As we mentioned, medical marijuana contains several cannabinoids — nearly 100 have been identified so far. However, two of the most well-known include cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When it comes to Crohn’s disease symptoms, these cannabinoid superstars help in very specific ways.
CBD
Cannabidiol has a unique effect on your immune system and eases inflammation.
THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is best known for its ability to boost your mood, but it also helps with nausea, chronic pain, and appetite.
When used together, this powerful combination of natural compounds can help reduce abdominal pain, minimize diarrhea, control nausea, and even improve your appetite.
What to expect from medical marijuana
If you have Crohn’s disease, we can help determine whether medical marijuana is right for you. The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation where we discuss your symptoms and treatment history.
If we determine that you’re a good candidate, we can help you fill out the paperwork required to obtain your medical marijuana license. Once approved, you can visit a state-approved dispensary to pick up your medication.
Medical marijuana comes in different formulas and delivery methods, including:
- Topical applications
- Oral solutions or pills
- Oil for vaporizing
- Dried up buds and leaves for smoking
When you start treatment, we regularly check with you to gauge your reactions and determine if you would benefit from changes to your formula or dose.
Do you have Crohn’s disease? Contact one of our convenient Metro Pain Centers in New York or New Jersey to see if medical marijuana can ease your symptoms.
