Among 1,021 IBD patients, pre-admission cannabis use was associated with 2.5-fold higher odds of 30-day readmission for ulcerative colitis but not Crohn's disease.
IBD patients using cannabis, gastroenterologists.
2.5x higher 30-day readmission for cannabis-using UC patients
What the researchers found
Of 1,021 IBD admissions, 7.25% reported cannabis use. Cannabis was associated with 30-day readmission in UC (OR 2.48) but not CD (OR 0.59). No association with 90-day readmission (OR 1.19).
Why it matters
Many IBD patients use cannabis for symptom relief. This study suggests cannabis may be associated with worse short-term outcomes specifically in ulcerative colitis.
The numbers in context
1,021 admissions. 74 (7.25%) reported cannabis. UC 30-day readmission OR: 2.48. CD OR: 0.59. 90-day OR: 1.19 (not significant).
How the study worked
Retrospective review of adults admitted for IBD exacerbation from 2016-2020 within Northwell Health. Cannabis identified through admission document text search.
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective. Text-based cannabis identification likely underestimates. Few cannabis users (74). Cannot determine dose or frequency.
How to read the evidence
Retrospective cohort with multivariable adjustment, limited by small cannabis user count.
When this study was published
Published 2023, using 2016-2020 data.
The bigger picture
The divergent findings between UC and Crohn's suggest cannabis may interact differently with different IBD subtypes.
Questions still open
- Why might cannabis use be associated with readmission in UC but not Crohn's?
- Does cannabis form or dose matter for IBD outcomes?
Common questions
Does cannabis affect IBD hospital outcomes?
How common is cannabis use among IBD patients?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use and Its Association With Thirty- and Ninety-Day Hospital Readmissions for Patients Admitted for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Exacerbation.
Journal of clinical medicine research, 15(2), 99-108
Citation
Oseni, Ellen A; Blumenthal, Miriam; Izard, Stephanie; Qiu, Michael; Mone, Anjali; Swaminath, Arun; Sultan, Keith. (2023). Cannabis Use and Its Association With Thirty- and Ninety-Day Hospital Readmissions for Patients Admitted for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Exacerbation.. Journal of clinical medicine research, 15(2), 99-108. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4846
Explore the wider topic
- CBD Oil Quality Guide: How to Avoid Snake Oil
- Anxiety After Quitting Weed: When to Consider Medication
- Cannabis for Chemotherapy Nausea: What the Evidence Actually Shows
- Cannabis for Chronic Pain: What the Research Actually Supports
- Cannabis and Epilepsy: The Epidiolex Story and What It Means
- Does CBD Actually Work for Anxiety? What the Evidence Shows
- Does CBD Help with Weed Withdrawal? What Studies Show
- CBD vs THC: The Differences That Actually Matter
- The Proven Medical Benefits of Cannabis: What Research Supports
- Quitting Weed Before Surgery
- Weed and Medications: What Changes When You Quit
- Quitting Weed During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
- Quitting Weed While Pregnant: What You Need to Know
- Cannabis and Older Adults: Risks Seniors Should Know
- Cannabis and Breastfeeding: THC in Breast Milk