A recent study (EJ Hoffenberg et al. J Pediatr 2018; 199: 99-105) examined the use of marijuana in 13-23 year age group with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at the Children’s Hospital for Colorado.
This relatively small study (n=99 — 62 with Crohn’s, 27 with ulcerative colitis, 10 with indeterminate colitis) found the following:
- Marijuana use was endorsed by 32 (32%) and that 9 used daily or almost-daily.
- Users were 10.7 times more likely to perceive low risk of harm (P<.001)
- 17 of 30 stated a medical reason for use (16 with physical pain)
- The most common route of use was smoking (83%)
Limitations:
- 80% of participants had inactive or mild disease
- There was no control (non-IBD) group to compare frequency of marijuana use
- Study performed in state with legalized recreational marijuana
My take: We know very little about how marijuana impacts IBD course and whether it is safe. This study indicates frequent use of marijuana in the 13-23 year age group. Thus, it is an issue that needs to be examined further.
Related blog posts:
- Legalized Cannabis Associated with Increased Vomiting and Dependency But What About Alcohol?
- Should Medical Marijuana Get a Free Pass?
- Would Medical Marijuana Meet the Threshold… | gutsandgrowth
- Medical Marijuana -Update | gutsandgrowth
- Think Like a Doctor -Another Reason for Cyclic Vomiting …
- Cannabis: Feel better, Worse Crohn Disease | gutsandgrowth
- Crohn’s Research: Going to Pot | gutsandgrowth