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Marijuana Use for Symptom Control in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patients' Perceptions and Patterns of Use
Arvin Daneshmand1, Karen Yung1, Hanzhi Gao2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Marijuana use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is common and associated with symptom relief, improved quality of life, and reduced opioid use. Many patients find cannabis helpful for managing IBD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Medical Cannabis Research
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects a significant patient population.
- Many IBD patients self-medicate with marijuana for symptom management.
- Limited data exists on the patterns, impact, and perceptions of marijuana use in IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of marijuana consumption among IBD patients.
- To understand the underlying reasons for marijuana use (medical, recreational, or combination).
- To assess the perceived impact of marijuana on disease-related symptoms and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous 39-question survey was administered to 108 IBD patients at the University of Florida.
- The survey covered demographics, disease characteristics, marijuana usage patterns, symptom relief, quality of life, and beliefs about cannabis.
- Data analysis compared patient characteristics based on reasons for use, frequency, and specific outcomes.
Main Results:
- Reasons for marijuana use varied with age and duration of IBD diagnosis.
- Daily marijuana use correlated with significant relief from nausea, arthralgias, and insomnia.
- Marijuana use was linked to improved independence, employment, quality of life, and reduced opioid reliance; 59.3% believed it reduced opioid use.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana use appears beneficial for symptom control in IBD patients.
- Cannabis may reduce the need for opioid pharmaceuticals.
- IBD patients possess insight into marijuana's role in managing their condition and improving quality of life.
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