A Review of Cannabis in GI Medicine Found Potential Benefits for Multiple Conditions but Significant Safety Concerns

Cannabis has modulatory effects on the GI endocannabinoid system with emerging evidence for benefits in inflammatory bowel disease, motility disorders, GI malignancies, and symptom management (nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain). Risks include dependency, cognitive impairment, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The review proposes dosing strategies for gastroenterologist guidance.

Narrative review of animal and human studies on cannabis in gastrointestinal diseases, including discussion of dosing strategies and patient counseling approaches.

Many GI patients already use cannabis without their gastroenterologist's knowledge. This review gives GI specialists a framework for evaluating evidence, discussing risks, and considering dosing if they choose to recommend medical cannabis.

Gastroenterology has a unique relationship with cannabis: the endocannabinoid system heavily regulates GI function, cannabis can treat GI symptoms, but cannabis can also cause a GI condition (cannabinoid hyperemesis). This dual nature makes informed prescribing especially important.

Narrative review without systematic methodology. Evidence for most GI applications remains preliminary. Dosing recommendations are based on limited data. Side effect profile may be undercharacterized for chronic GI conditions.