Cannabis use of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Germany: a cross-sectional survey

Background and aims: Progressive legalization and increasing utilization of medical cannabis open up potential new applications, including for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to collect current figures on the use of and experience with cannabis among IBD patients in Germany.

Methods: A 71-item questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected representative sample of 1000 IBD patients.

Results: Questionnaires were returned by 417 patients (mean age 49.1 ± 17.0 years; 55.8 % women; 43.4 % ulcerative colitis and 54.7 % Crohn’s disease). Seventy-three respondents (17.5 %) stated past cannabis use for recreational purposes, while 12 users mentioned usage at the time the questionnaire was completed (2.9 %). Seventeen patients (4.1 %) indicated past use of cannabis, and 18 participants (4.3 %) reported current use of cannabis to treat IBD. Perceived benefits of cannabis use by its users included reduced abdominal pain, improved sleep quality, and relief of unease and worry. They reported lower quality of life and higher levels of anxiety or depression than non-users. Of notice, 52.9 % of cannabis users obtained their cannabis from the black market. A total of 76.5 % of former and 50 % of current users did not report their cannabis use to the physician.

Conclusion: This survey reveals the largest data set on cannabis use among IBD patients in Germany, with the potential for further research. Cannabis is mainly procured from the black market, with unknown quality.