IBD is more of a general term for gastrointestinal tract inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis. There are a large number of people living in the United States who are suffering with IBD; approximately 1.6 million people and thousands more are getting diagnosed with the disease each year.
Did you know that the chronic pain associated with IBD can be treated with medical marijuana? It’s true! IBD is one of the qualifying conditions for New York’s medical cannabis program.
Some of the symptoms related to IBD include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Nausea
These symptoms have a significant effect on the quality of life of IBD sufferers. Studies have shown that people who use cannabis have experienced pain relief and a relief from some of the symptoms that Inflammatory Bowel Disease presents.
And, before we go any further, know that medical marijuana is legal in New York State. Dr. Jahan Chaudhry, founder of the Long Island Compassionate Medical Center in Holbrook, is licensed to prescribe all-natural, safe and effective medical cannabis for pain relief.
Call 631-588-4888 to learn more about New York’s medical cannabis program and to find out if you qualify.
So how exactly does medical marijuana help with IBD?
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the plant cannabis sativa and are known to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. These receptors, CB1 and CB2, are expressed in various parts of the body including the brain and the gastrointestinal tract.
The interaction between cannabinoid compounds in marijuana and the receptors in our bodies activates our bodies’ receptors. In 2009, a study was done on a mouse model of colitis. This study revealed that there was a decrease in inflammation when CB1/CB2 receptors were activated. This would explain the role of marijuana managing IBD and IBD-related symptoms.
How common is the use of medical marijuana in patients diagnosed with IBD?
About 15 to 20 percent of people with IBD who are living in the U.S. and Canada use cannabis to manage their symptoms.
There is an increase in the number of people who go online to search for IBD symptom relief. This means that the use of medical cannabis is getting more and more attention.
If you are curious about medical marijuana and how it is used in the treatment and management of IBD symptoms, contact Dr Jahan Chaudhry, the founder of Long Island Compassionate Medical Center on Long Island.
Dr. Chaudhry offers medical marijuana as an option for patients suffering from IBD as well as many other qualifying conditions. He uses marijuana to help ease his patient’s symptoms and also advises on ways to use marijuana to ease pain.
Call 631-588-4888 to make an appointment today.
