Cannabis for Crohn's Disease: First Clinical Trial Results
What Researchers Found About Crohns Disease and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2013
Researchers
Meir Medical Center (Israel)
Study Type
Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants
21 patients · 8 weeks
Key Finding
45% of Crohn's patients achieved complete clinical remission with cannabis compared to 10% on placebo, and 90% showed significant clinical response.
Key Finding: 45% of Crohn's patients achieved complete clinical remission with cannabis compared to 10% on placebo, and 90% showed significant clinical response.
What Researchers Studied About Crohns Disease and Cannabis
Crohn's disease is a painful inflammatory bowel condition that significantly affects quality of life. Researchers conducted the first placebo-controlled trial of cannabis for Crohn's to see if it could help patients whose disease wasn't controlled by standard medications.
How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial:
• 21 patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease • Standard treatments had not achieved remission • Treatment group smoked cannabis cigarettes (23% THC) twice daily • Placebo group smoked cannabis with THC removed • Disease activity measured using CDAI score over 8 weeks
Crohns Disease Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 145% of cannabis group achieved complete remission vs 10% placebo
- 290% of cannabis group showed clinical response vs 40% placebo
- 3Significant improvement in appetite and sleep
- 4No significant side effects reported
- 53 patients were able to stop steroid medications
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 45% | achieved complete remission with cannabis |
| 90% | showed significant clinical improvement |
| 10% | remission rate with placebo |
| 3 | patients were able to stop steroids |
achieved complete remission with cannabis
showed significant clinical improvement
remission rate with placebo
patients were able to stop steroids
What This Means for Crohns Disease Patients
If you have Crohn's disease that's not well-controlled with standard medications:
What the results show: • Nearly half achieved complete remission with cannabis • 9 out of 10 patients showed meaningful improvement • Benefits extended beyond GI symptoms to appetite and sleep
Important caveats: • Small study (21 patients)—larger trials needed • Didn't measure inflammation markers directly • THC cannabis was used—CBD-dominant products may differ
Quick Answers: Crohns Disease and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does cannabis help Crohn's disease?
Yes, 45% achieved remission. The first controlled trial found 45% of Crohn's patients achieved complete remission with cannabis vs 10% on placebo, with 90% showing significant clinical improvement (Naftali et al., 2013).
Source: Naftali et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2013 (PMID: 23648372)
Is Crohn's disease a qualifying condition for medical marijuana?
Yes, Crohn's qualifies in most states. Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease are qualifying conditions in most states with medical marijuana programs. A 2013 trial found 45% of patients achieved remission with cannabis.
Source: Naftali et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2013 (PMID: 23648372)
What percentage of Crohn's patients improve with cannabis?
90% showed improvement in the first trial. A 2013 controlled trial found 90% of Crohn's patients showed significant clinical response to cannabis, with 45% achieving complete remission vs only 10% on placebo (Naftali et al.).
Source: Naftali et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2013 (PMID: 23648372)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Very small sample size (only 21 patients)
- Did not measure objective inflammation markers (like CRP or endoscopy)
- Short duration (8 weeks)
- Smoked cannabis—other forms may have different effects
- Patients may have detected they were receiving real cannabis
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Crohns Disease
This first controlled trial of cannabis for Crohn's disease found remarkable results—nearly half of patients achieved remission. While the small size means we need larger studies, it strongly suggests cannabis can help Crohn's patients who haven't responded to other treatments.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Crohns Disease, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Naftali T, Bar-Lev Schleider L, Dotan I, et al. "Cannabis Induces a Clinical Response in Patients with Crohn's Disease: A Prospective Placebo-Controlled Study" Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.04.034
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 13 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Crohns Disease
Can cannabis help with Crohn's disease?
Yes, 45% achieved remission in one trial. The first controlled trial found that 45% of Crohn's patients achieved complete remission with cannabis compared to 10% on placebo, and 90% showed significant clinical improvement.
Is Crohn's disease a qualifying condition for medical marijuana?
Yes. Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease are qualifying conditions in most states with medical marijuana programs.
Does cannabis reduce Crohn's inflammation?
Unclear, more research needed. This study showed clinical improvement but didn't measure inflammation directly. Patients felt significantly better, but whether cannabis actually reduces gut inflammation requires more research.