As a doctor with patients who have difficulty with Crohn’s Disease, I witness the personal and professional impact this disease has on a daily basis. Crohn’s is mercurial, flare-ups render abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, as well as persistent fatigue. Even conventional treatments like steroids, biologics, or surgery work at times, but many of my patients continue to suffer or experience severe side effects.
This is why I often get asked the same question: “Doctor, can medical marijuana help with Crohn’s?”
The short answer: Yes, for many patients it can.
Crohn’s is a qualifying disease in Kentucky under the state medical marijuana program. That is, if you are living with this disease, you can legally use cannabis treatment with a medical marijuana card. Allow me to take you through how cannabis is promising so much for Crohn’s patients.
How Medical Marijuana Aids Crohn’s Patients
1. Controlling Symptoms:
Crohn’s sufferers frequently experience cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of hunger. Cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system, a body regulatory system that impacts digestive function and perception of pain.
Among one survey of Crohn’s sufferers, 83% felt relief from stomach pain following medical cannabis use.
Another study discovered patients had marked increases in appetite and sleep, two aspects significantly affected by Crohn’s.
For numerous patients of mine, cannabis is the difference between remaining bedridden during a flare-up and being productive normally.
2. Inflammation Reduction
Crohn’s is caused by ongoing gut inflammation. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects that directly affect the digestive tract.
A study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, which involved a clinical trial, discovered that 45% of patients with Crohn’s went into remission after eight weeks of treatment with cannabis. (Source)
Lab experiments confirm that cannabinoids can suppress inflammatory cytokines, the same indicators we observe during a Crohn’s flare.
This suggests cannabis not only alleviates symptoms but has the ability to control the disease at its source.
3. Nutrition & Weight Support
Malnutrition is a serious issue in Crohn’s patients. With diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite, many become unintentionally thin. Cannabis is famous for its ability to stimulate the appetite, and in Crohn’s patients, it can be a big health changer in the long term.
Patients in one study gained an average of 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) after 10 weeks of cannabis use. (Source)
I have had patients who were at risk of starvation due to underweighting stabilize after they added cannabis to their treatment.
4. Quality of Life Improvement
Crohn’s isn’t only physical, it tends to produce anxiety, depression, and stress. Research indicates that cannabis can decrease these burdens:
A study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology found significant improvements in patient-reported quality-of-life scores following treatment with medical marijuana.
Patients report improved sleep, reduced anxiety over flare-ups, and increased energy to pursue daily activities.
What the Research Says
Some of the most powerful findings so far are listed below:
Symptom Relief: A 2011 study of patients with Crohn’s found all 30 subjects reported symptom improvement on measures of abdominal pain, bowel frequency, and appetite following cannabis. (Source)
Remission Rates: In an Israeli clinical trial, nearly half of the patients went into remission, compared with just 10% in the placebo group. (Source)
Medication Reduction: Numerous studies indicate that Crohn’s patients can decrease their need for steroids and opioids when they begin medical marijuana.
Although research has been constrained by federal limitations, the current evidence we have is highly encouraging, and patient feedback verifies it.
Getting Medical Marijuana for Crohn’s in Kentucky
Since Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is now up and running, Crohn’s Disease is an approved qualifying condition. This is what you can expect at Med Card District:
- Schedule an Appointment: Consult with one of our board-certified physicians in Lexington or by telehealth.
- Get Evaluated: If you have Crohn’s, we’ll discuss your medical history and symptoms. If it’s a good fit, you’ll be issued a medical marijuana recommendation.
- Apply for Your Card: We walk you step by step through Kentucky’s state registry so you can obtain your official card.
Prepare for Dispensaries, with your card in hand, you’ll be one of the first patients prepared to legally have access to cannabis once dispensaries become available in 2025–2026.
My Final Take as a Doctor
Crohn’s Disease can be life-changing, but there is real hope for symptom relief, decreased inflammation, and quality of life improvement from medical marijuana. It’s not a cure, but it’s a useful tool that has a place in many patients’ treatment regimens.
At Med Card District, my role as a physician is to help you decide if cannabis is right for you, provide safe guidance, and ensure you’re fully supported through the certification process.
If you’re living with Crohn’s Disease and want to explore medical marijuana as a treatment option, call us at +1 (859) 460-9774 or book your appointment online today.
