Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, which is affecting an alarming number of people nowadays. The disease affects the body by causing inflammation in the digestive tract, which in turn leads to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and severe fatigue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of August 2017, about three million adults in the United States suffer from IBD. Scientists believe that cannabis can be used to treat Crohn’s disease.
There is a lot of speculation in regard to the medical use of cannabis. Its social use has overshadowed its medical use over the years. But with laws being passed that will eventually legalize it, it’s now starting to get recognition.
The root causes of Crohn’s disease are still debated. But according to WebMD, it could likely be caused by an abnormal response to the immune system. While there are many treatments available for the disease, scientists are now hoping that cannabis can be used as yet another viable option for patients.
Before I get into the study that illustrates how cannabis can treat Crohn’s disease, let me give you some background on the actual disease. As I mentioned, the cause is still under heavy debate. But research shows that the immune system is what triggers the disease. It attacks good bacteria and food in the gut, which causes it to become inflamed, WebMD mentions.
Crohn’s disease severely impacts the everyday lives of people who suffer from it. People take numerous trips to the doctor’s office. If someone is extremely active, that will change if they are diagnosed with Crohn’s. Working will also be extremely difficult, especially if Crohn’s is triggered during work hours.
The signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the symptoms will develop gradually. In other cases, the symptoms will suddenly appear. When Crohn’s is active, you may experience fatigue, fever, blood in the stool, sores in your mouth, weight loss and loss of appetite, and pain around the anus, says WebMD.
In more severe cases, you may experience inflammation of the eyes, joints, and skin. You may also experience inflammation in your bile ducts or liver.
