Cannabis for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis: No Firm Conclusions
What Researchers Found About Ibd and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2020
Researchers
Cochrane Collaboration (International)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewParticipants
185 patients · Variable (across 5 RCTs)
Key Finding
No firm conclusions can be made regarding the safety and effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Key Finding: No firm conclusions can be made regarding the safety and effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
What Researchers Studied About Ibd and Cannabis
This systematic review examined the safety and effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids for treating Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Databases searched: MEDLINE, Embase, WHO ICTRP, AMED, PsychINFO, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and the European Clinical Trials Register.
Five randomized controlled trials were included: 3 for Crohn's disease and 2 for ulcerative colitis, totaling 185 participants.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Cochrane methodology was used to systematically review all available randomized controlled trials.
Outcomes assessed included clinical remission rates, disease activity, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin), and adverse events.
GRADE analysis was used to assess the quality of evidence.
Ibd Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1CROHN'S STUDY 1 (N=21): 45% remission with cannabis cigarettes vs 10% placebo (RR 4.55, 95% CI 0.63-32.56)
- 2CROHN'S STUDY 2 (N=19): 40% remission with cannabis oil vs 33% placebo (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.36-3.97) - NOT significant
- 3UC STUDY 1 (N=60): 24% remission with cannabis oil vs 26% placebo (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.39-2.25) - NOT significant
- 4UC STUDY 2 (N=32): Effects on disease activity, CRP, and calprotectin were UNCERTAIN
- 5Adverse events were MORE PREVALENT in cannabis groups for both CD and UC
- 6GRADE evidence quality: very low to moderate
- 7NO firm conclusions can be made
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 5 RCTs | Total randomized trials found (3 Crohn's, 2 ulcerative colitis) |
| 185 patients | Total participants across all trials |
| 45% vs 10% | Remission in one Crohn's study (cannabis vs placebo), but wide confidence interval |
| More AEs | Adverse events were more common in cannabis groups |
Total randomized trials found (3 Crohn's, 2 ulcerative colitis)
Total participants across all trials
Remission in one Crohn's study (cannabis vs placebo), but wide confidence interval
Adverse events were more common in cannabis groups
What This Means for Ibd Patients
If you have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), this Cochrane summary has disappointing news: the evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions.
Only 5 small trials exist (185 patients total), and results were inconsistent.
One Crohn's study showed promising results (45% vs 10% remission), but the confidence interval was very wide, meaning we cannot be sure the effect is real.
The ulcerative colitis studies showed NO significant benefit over placebo.
Importantly, adverse events were more common in patients taking cannabis than placebo in both Crohn's and UC studies.
The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate, meaning these findings are uncertain.
The bottom line: we cannot make firm conclusions about whether cannabis helps IBD. More research is needed.
Quick Answers: Ibd 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.
Is there evidence for cannabis treating IBD?
Evidence is insufficient. A 2020 Cochrane summary of 5 RCTs (185 patients) found inconsistent results for Crohn's disease and no benefit for ulcerative colitis. No firm conclusions can be made about safety or effectiveness.
Source: Kafil et al., Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2020 (PMID: 31613959)
Does cannabis work for Crohn's vs ulcerative colitis?
Results differed. One Crohn's study showed promising remission (45% vs 10% placebo), but other Crohn's studies did not. Ulcerative colitis studies (N=92) showed NO significant benefit over placebo.
Source: Kafil et al., Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2020 (PMID: 31613959)
Are there side effects of cannabis for IBD?
Yes. A Cochrane review found adverse events were more prevalent in cannabis groups than placebo for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis studies. This is an important safety consideration.
Source: Kafil et al., Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2020 (PMID: 31613959)
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:
- Only 5 small trials available (185 patients)
- Inconsistent results across studies
- Wide confidence intervals
- More adverse events with cannabis
- Evidence quality: very low to moderate
- Different cannabis formulations across studies
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Ibd
This Cochrane summary of 5 RCTs (185 patients) found NO firm conclusions can be made about cannabis for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. One Crohn's study showed promising remission rates (45% vs 10%), but results were inconsistent across trials. Ulcerative colitis studies showed no benefit. Adverse events were more common with cannabis. Evidence quality: very low to moderate.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Ibd, 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
Kafil TS, Nguyen TM, MacDonald JK, et al. "Cannabis for the Treatment of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Evidence From Cochrane Reviews" Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2020. DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz233
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 6 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 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 Ibd
Does cannabis help Crohn's disease?
Uncertain. A Cochrane summary found only 5 small trials with inconsistent results. One study showed 45% vs 10% remission, but other studies showed no significant benefit. No firm conclusions can be made.
Can I use CBD for ulcerative colitis?
Evidence does not support it. Two RCTs of cannabis for ulcerative colitis showed no significant remission benefit over placebo. Adverse events were more common with cannabis.
Is cannabis safe for IBD patients?
Adverse events were more prevalent in cannabis groups than placebo in both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis studies. Safety cannot be assured based on current evidence.