CBD Oil Study - CBD Oil and Crohn's

CBD apparently does not cure Crohn's, but it can reduce symptoms and improves quality of life. But if I had Crohn's, I'd sure be taking something that improved my quality of life, even if it didn't heal me!

Oral CBD-rich cannabis induces clinical but not endoscopic response in patients with Crohn's disease, a randomized controlled trial
Oral CBD-rich cannabis induces clinical but not endoscopic response in patients with Crohn's disease, a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aims: Despite reports that medical cannabis improves symptoms in Crohn's disease (CD), controlled studies evaluating disease response are lacking. This study assessed the effect of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis oil for induction of remission in CD.


Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled single center trial, patients received orally eithercannabis oil containing160/40mg/ml cannabidiol/ tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD/THC) or placebo for eight weeks. Disease parameters including CD activity index (CDAI), and simple endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD) were assessed before and after treatment. In a subgroup of patients, blood samples were collected for CBD and THC plasma levels.


Results: The study included 56 patients, age 34.5±11 years, men/women 30/26 (54/46%), 30 in cannabis and 26 in placebo groups. CDAI at recruitment and after eight weeks was282(IQR243-342) and 166 (IQR 82-226) and 264(IQR 234-320) and 237(IQR 121-271) (p<0.05) in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively. Median QOL score improved from 74 for both groups at baseline to 91 (IQR 85-102) and 75 (IQR 69-88) after 8 weeks in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively (p=0.004). SES-CD was 10 (7-14) and 11 (IQR7-14), and 7 (4-14) and 8 (IQR 4-12;p=0.75)before and after treatment, in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively. Inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin) remained unchanged.

Conclusions: Eight weeks of CBD-rich cannabis treatment induced significant clinical and QOL improvement without significant changes in inflammatory parameters or endoscopic scores. The oral CBD-rich cannabis extract was well absorbed. Until further studies are available, cannabis treatment in Crohn's disease should be used only in the context of clinical trials.




So if you have Crohn's, oral CBD can improve your quality of life, but it does little to reduce actual intestinal inflammation. However, in their infinite wisdom, the researchers say that YOU shouldn't use CBD to get these life-improving benefits.... unless you are part of a study!

Granny