Cannabis shows promise for managing abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease but not the underlying inflammation | Research

The takeaway

While cannabis and cannabinoids have not shown ability to treat the underlying inflammation in IBD, both animal and human studies consistently find they can significantly reduce abdominal pain.

IBD patients dealing with abdominal pain, gastroenterologists, anyone interested in cannabis for gut-related conditions

Cannabis reduces IBD pain but does not treat underlying inflammation

What the researchers found

There is little clinical evidence that cannabis treats the gastrointestinal inflammation underlying IBD. However, a recurring finding from both animal and human studies is that cannabis and cannabinoid signaling elements have a significant impact on IBD-related symptoms, particularly abdominal pain.

Why it matters

IBD patients frequently suffer from chronic abdominal pain that is difficult to manage. If cannabis can reliably address pain without the risks of opioids, even without treating inflammation, it could improve quality of life for millions.

The numbers in context

Cannabinoid signaling elements involved in visceral pain perception; both CB1 and CB2 receptors play roles in gut pain signaling

How the study worked

Narrative review of the role of cannabis and cannabinoid signaling in visceral pain perception and the evidence for efficacy in managing pain, related symptoms, and inflammation in IBD.

What this study cannot tell us

Limited human clinical trial data specifically for IBD pain. Animal models may not translate to human IBD pain. Heterogeneity of cannabis products and IBD subtypes makes generalizations difficult.

How to read the evidence

Narrative review with consistent findings across animal and human studies but limited clinical trial data

When this study was published

Published in 2021. Clinical trials of cannabinoids specifically for IBD pain management are ongoing.

The bigger picture

The distinction between symptom relief and disease modification is important. Cannabis may offer IBD patients meaningful quality-of-life improvements even if it does not alter the disease course, similar to how pain management works alongside anti-inflammatory treatments.

Questions still open

Could specific cannabinoid formulations be optimized for visceral pain? Should cannabis be studied as an adjunct to standard IBD therapy rather than a standalone treatment? Are there IBD subtypes that respond better to cannabinoid pain management?

Common questions

Can cannabis help with IBD pain?

Both animal and human studies consistently find that cannabis and cannabinoid-based products can reduce abdominal pain associated with IBD, though they do not appear to treat the underlying inflammation.

Should IBD patients use cannabis instead of their medications?

The evidence suggests cannabis addresses symptoms (primarily pain) but not the inflammatory disease process. It may be most useful as a complement to, not replacement for, standard IBD treatments.

Read the original research

Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 4(2), 97-106

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bogale, Kaleb; Raup-Konsavage, Wesley; Dalessio, Shannon; Vrana, Kent; Coates, Matthew D. (2021). Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.. Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 4(2), 97-106. https://doi.org/10.1159/000517425