Young IBD patients are using cannabis oil, mostly for sleep, nausea, and appetite | Research

The takeaway

Among adolescent and young adult IBD patients, cannabis oil users and non-users had similar clinical characteristics, but users reported perceived benefits primarily for sleep, nausea, and appetite, with many also using other cannabis forms.

Young people with IBD considering cannabis oil, their parents, and gastroenterologists managing pediatric IBD.

15 young IBD patients used cannabis oil averaging 22 times/month for sleep, nausea, appetite

What the researchers found

15 cannabis oil users and 67 non-users had similar clinical characteristics and pain/appetite scores. 60% of CO users had used in the past 30 days (average 22 times). Most common perceived effects: improved sleep, reduced nausea, increased appetite. Only 6 of 15 used exclusively oil; most also used other cannabis products.

Why it matters

Young IBD patients are self-medicating with cannabis oil despite limited evidence, using various CBD:THC ratios and strengths. This reality demands open clinician-patient dialogue rather than dismissal of patient-initiated treatment.

The numbers in context

15 CO users, 67 non-users, ages 13-23. 60% used in past 30 days. Average use: 22 times/month; 4 used daily. Various CBD:THC ratios reported. Top perceived benefits: sleep, nausea, appetite. Only 6/15 used oil exclusively.

How the study worked

Descriptive study of IBD patients aged 13-23 at Children's Hospital Colorado (2015-2017) using chart abstraction, self-report, and serum cannabinoid levels to compare cannabis oil users with non-users.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (15 users). Single-center study. No objective outcome measures for perceived benefits. Self-selected users may be biased toward positive reporting. Diverse CBD:THC ratios prevent dose-response analysis.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary: small descriptive study without controls or objective outcomes.

When this study was published

Published in 2019, covering 2015-2017.

The bigger picture

The fact that most cannabis oil users also used other cannabis forms suggests they may not clearly distinguish medical from recreational use, or may find oil insufficient for full symptom relief. This complicates clinical guidance.

Questions still open

Which CBD:THC ratios are most effective for IBD symptoms? Would standardized cannabis oil preparations show consistent benefit in controlled trials? How can clinicians guide young patients toward evidence-based cannabis use?

Common questions

Are young IBD patients using cannabis oil?

Yes. This study found 15 users among adolescent and young adult IBD patients, using various CBD:THC ratios an average of 22 times per month. Most perceived benefits for sleep, nausea, and appetite.

Does cannabis oil help with IBD?

Users reported perceived benefits, but this small study found no measurable differences in clinical characteristics or pain/appetite scores between users and non-users. Controlled trials are needed to determine actual efficacy.

Read the original research

Cannabis Oil Use by Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 68(3), 348-352

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Hoffenberg, Edward J; McWilliams, Shannon; Mikulich-Gilbertson, Susan; Murphy, Brittany; Hoffenberg, Analice; Hopfer, Christian J. (2019). Cannabis Oil Use by Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 68(3), 348-352. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000002189