Author information
Abstract
Over the last decade, interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its constituents (e.g. cannabidiol) in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has escalated. Cannabis has been increasingly approved for a variety of medical conditions in several jurisdictions around the world. In animal models, cannabinoids have been shown to improve intestinal inflammation in experimental models of IBD through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. However, the few randomized controlled trials of cannabis or cannabidiol in patients with IBD have not demonstrated efficacy in modulating inflammatory disease activity. Cannabis may be effective in the symptomatic management of IBD. Given the increasing utilization and cultural acceptance of cannabis, physicians need to be aware of its safety and efficacy in order to better counsel patients. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role of cannabis in the management of patients with IBD.
KEYWORDS: Crohn’s, cannabidiol, cannabis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis
- PMID: 31523278
- PMCID: PMC6727090
- DOI: 10.1177/1756284819870977
Conflict of interest statement
Conflict of interest statement: SP has no conflicts. GGK has received honoraria for speaking or consultancy from Abbvie, Janssen, Pfizer, and Takeda. He has received research support from Janssen, Abbvie, GlaxoSmith Kline, Merck, and Shire. He shares ownership of a patent: TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS, AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE, AND PBC. UTI Limited Partnership, assignee. Patent 62/555,397. 7 September 2017. KAS is a consultant to Arena Pharmaceuticals, LaSanta Botanicals Ltd and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. CHS has received honoraria for speaking or consultancy for Janssen, Takeda, Ferring, Abbvie, Pfizer, Shire and has received research support from Janssen.
