The Perceived Effectiveness of Cannabidiol on Adult Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background and Objectives: In this study we analyzed the perceived effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in adult women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Materials and Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey which assessed disease severity and quality of life (QOL) in women with IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) who used CBD versus those who did not. The survey included: the Harvey-Bradshaw Index, Partial Mayo Score, Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, Bristol Stool Scale, and the Prime Screen Short Food Frequency Questionnaire. CBD utilization practices were also examined. STROBE reporting outcomes were followed. Statistical methods included Pearson and Spearman's correlations and chi-square analyses. Results: Seventy-one (n = 71) women were included. Twenty-five (n = 25) were CBD users and forty-six (n = 46) were past/never users. Most current users ingested CBD once per day (40%), acquired CBD from a dispensary (56%), and utilized an oral tincture (40%) at a dose of 25 mg or less (56%). There was no statistical association between CBD use and disease severity, quality of life (QOL), fecal consistency, or food intake. However, CBD users reported decreases in IBD-related pain and nausea (76% and 64%, respectively), and improvement in appetite (60%). Overall, disease severity and QOL were inversely correlated (past/never users: p = 0.000, r = -0.544; current users: p = 0.042, r = -0.427). Conclusions: Women with IBD who use CBD insignificantly trended toward improved disease-related symptoms, appetite, and QOL compared to non-users. Disease severity and QOL were inversely associated, regardless of CBD use. These preliminary outcomes indicate the need for further research on CBD use in women with IBD.