Cannabis for Crohn's Disease: Higher Remission But Quality of Life Concerns
What Researchers Found About Crohns Disease and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025
Researchers
Multiple institutions (International)
Study Type
Meta-AnalysisDuration
Up to 8 weeks (varies by trial)
Key Finding
Cannabis shows promise as a therapeutic option for Crohn's disease, demonstrating higher remission rates. However, quality of life was significantly better in the placebo group, highlighting the need for larger, standardized research studies.
Key Finding: Cannabis shows promise as a therapeutic option for Crohn's disease, demonstrating higher remission rates. However, quality of life was significantly better in the placebo group, highlighting the need for larger, standardized research studies.
What Researchers Studied About Crohns Disease and Cannabis
This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of cannabis in managing Crohn's disease (CD) by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials.
Researchers searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library following 2020 PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO.
Outcomes included remission rates, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events.
How This Meta-Analysis Was Conducted
Studies comparing cannabis to placebo or standard therapy in Crohn's disease patients were included.
Statistical analysis used RevMan 5.3 with weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.
The meta-analysis compared outcomes between cannabis and control groups across multiple RCTs.
Crohns Disease Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Clinical remission at 8 weeks: SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER with cannabis (MD = -67.98, 95% CI -100.68 to -35.29)
- 2Low heterogeneity for remission finding
- 3Quality of life: SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER with PLACEBO vs cannabis (MD = 19.62, 95% CI 14.24 to 25.00)
- 4CRP levels: Non-significant reduction vs placebo (MD = -0.51, 95% CI -1.05 to 0.02)
- 5Authors conclude cannabis "shows promise" but needs larger studies
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Significant | Higher clinical remission rates at 8 weeks with cannabis vs control |
| MD = 19.62 | Quality of life was SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER with placebo than cannabis |
| Non-significant | CRP (inflammation marker) reduction was not statistically significant |
| Low | Heterogeneity for the remission finding (consistent across studies) |
Higher clinical remission rates at 8 weeks with cannabis vs control
Quality of life was SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER with placebo than cannabis
CRP (inflammation marker) reduction was not statistically significant
Heterogeneity for the remission finding (consistent across studies)
What This Means for Crohns Disease Patients
If you have Crohn's disease, this meta-analysis has important but mixed findings.
Cannabis was associated with significantly higher remission rates at 8 weeks compared to placebo or standard treatment. This is encouraging for disease control.
However, there is a concerning trade-off: quality of life was actually significantly BETTER in the placebo group than in the cannabis group. This suggests that while cannabis may help with disease activity, it may come with side effects that impact overall well-being.
The CRP inflammatory marker showed only a non-significant reduction with cannabis.
The researchers conclude cannabis "shows promise" but emphasize the need for "larger, standardized research studies" before firm recommendations can be made. If you're considering cannabis for Crohn's, discuss these mixed findings with your gastroenterologist.
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 marijuana help Crohn's disease?
Yes for remission, but worse quality of life. A 2025 meta-analysis found cannabis significantly increased Crohn's remission rates at 8 weeks, but quality of life was significantly WORSE with cannabis than placebo.
Source: Vaid et al., Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025 (PMID: 39821383)
Is cannabis better than placebo for Crohn's?
It depends on the outcome. Cannabis showed significantly higher remission rates, but quality of life was significantly better with placebo. CRP reduction was not significant. The trade-offs need careful consideration.
Source: Vaid et al., Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025 (PMID: 39821383)
Are there concerns about cannabis for Crohn's?
Yes. While cannabis increased remission rates, quality of life was significantly better with placebo (MD = 19.62). This suggests cannabis side effects may negatively impact overall well-being despite helping disease control.
Source: Vaid et al., Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025 (PMID: 39821383)
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:
- Quality of life was worse with cannabis than placebo
- CRP reduction was not statistically significant
- Need for larger, standardized studies
- Limited number of RCTs available
- Variable cannabis formulations and doses across studies
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Crohns Disease
This meta-analysis found cannabis significantly increased remission rates in Crohn's disease at 8 weeks. However, quality of life was significantly WORSE with cannabis than placebo. CRP reduction was non-significant. While promising for disease control, the quality of life trade-off is concerning. More research is needed before cannabis can be routinely recommended for Crohn's.
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
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Source
Vaid R, Fareed A, Qader R, et al. "Cannabis use in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)" Irish Journal of Medical Science. 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03844-w
Important Information
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 25, 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
Does cannabis help Crohn's disease?
Mixed findings. This meta-analysis found cannabis significantly increased remission rates at 8 weeks. However, quality of life was actually significantly better with placebo than cannabis. More research is needed.
Can cannabis put Crohn's disease into remission?
Higher remission rates but worse quality of life. Cannabis was associated with significantly higher clinical remission rates at 8 weeks (MD = -67.98), but quality of life outcomes favored placebo.
What are the downsides of cannabis for Crohn's?
Quality of life was better with placebo. This suggests cannabis may have side effects that negatively impact overall well-being (MD = 19.62, P < 0.05) despite helping with disease activity.