World Digestive Health Day: Can medical cannabis support gut health?

Tomorrow it’s World Digestive Health Day - and, we’ve got another decoding cannabis blog coming your way for an in-depth dive into the research and data that investigates medical cannabis and digestive health, so stay tuned for that! But today, we’re outlining the basics, establishing the differences between each condition, and introducing the role medical cannabis can play in gastrointestinal symptom management. 

What is World Digestive Health Day?

World Digestive Health Day was launched by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) in 2005. The first event was led by members in Ireland, with events scheduled to improve public education around the importance of health and nutrition - the theme for that year’s campaign. 

Since then, members from around the world have planned and supported a wide rage of events to further improve awareness of various aspects of digestive health. 

This year, 20 years after the first World Digestive Health Day, the theme is ‘Nourish to Flourish’ - chosen to “emphasise the importance of nourishment in every sense–through balanced diets, hydration, and mindful eating habits.”

Understanding digestive health

The digestive system includes a network of organs, stretching from the mouth, through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder to the anus via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Each organ in this system plays a crucial role in healthy digestion and, thus, the absorption of vital nutrients from our food. 

While most of us are aware of the importance of a healthy diet, the role of digestive health in other aspects of our lives is often overlooked. 

Gut health and our wider well-being

Digestive health is typically linked to physical wellness. However, growing research indicates that the gut could also play an important role in our mood and mental well-being. In fact, the gut is believed to communicate with the brain through the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system is made up of two thin layers of nerve cells that line the GI tract. 

Scientists believe that the ENS may be involved in triggering emotions, particularly in people living with digestive health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Further evidence also suggests that changes to the gut microbiome can affect a range of gastrointestinal, as well as neurological and mental health disorders. For example, certain gut microbiota may be correlated with the development of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

So, let’s take a look at some of the most common gastroenterological conditions, their impact on patients, and, their potential treatments. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastroenterological conditions. In fact, it’s estimated that around 1 in 5 adults in the UK have IBS; however, underreporting may mean that the condition is even more common.

While the exact cause of IBS is not understood, several factors may play a role, including genetics, stress, and oversensitivity in the gut. Typically, IBS is a lifelong condition that can have a significant impact on everyday life, and treatment options include diet adjustments and other lifestyle changes. In some cases, medications, or alternative treatments like medical cannabis are also recommended. 

So, what common symptoms are targeted by these treatments?

Well, there is a wide range of physical IBS symptoms, including cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. In addition, current evidence indicates that up to one-third of patients with IBS also experience psychological symptoms too, namely, anxiety and/or depression - and these are also often targeted by a variety of treatments. 

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is one of the two common gastroenterological conditions referred to under the term ‘inflammatory bowel disease’. Around half a million people in the UK are thought to be living with Crohn’s disease, and again, figures show that patients living with Crohn’s disease are more likely to experience mental health conditions when compared with the general population.

Chron’s disease occurs due to inflammation in part of the digestive tract, such as the mouth, stomach, or bowel. Its common symptoms include diarrhoea, blood, or mucus in your poo, pains in the stomach and/or anus, fatigue, and loss of appetite; however, symptoms can vary depending on which part of the gut is affected. 

Patients with Crohn’s disease are also often eligible for cannabis-based options, but conventional first-line treatments include medications like anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants, and in some cases, surgery may also be considered.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is another kind of IBD that affects the large intestine and the rectum, causing them to become inflamed. It is generally characterised by the development of ulcers along the lining of the large intestine, which may release blood and pus. 

While the exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood, it is believed to be an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly perceive bacteria inside the colon as a threat, triggering an attack on healthy tissue. 

Impacting an estimated 296,000 people in the UK, with those aged between 15 and 25 being the most commonly diagnosed, ulcerative colitis has also shown to have a significant impact on mental health, with patients experiencing increased rates of mental health conditions.

Several medications, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, may be considered in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. When these therapies are not effective in managing symptoms, surgery may also be recommended, and, patients can also assess their suitability for cannabis-based UC treatments through private healthcare providers in the UK. 

Medical cannabis and digestion health

There is no cure for many gastroenterological conditions, including those highlighted in this article. Therefore, treatments for IBS, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease - as well as other digestive health problems - tend to focus on symptom management. However, conventional therapies are not always effective at providing adequate relief. 

In these cases, alternative therapies such as medical cannabis treatment may be considered. It is important to note that medical cannabis should never be considered as a first-line treatment for gastroenterological conditions, and cannabis-based medicines are only prescribed when two or more conventional therapies have failed to achieve results. 

So, does cannabis help with digestion health?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a regulatory system that includes endocannabinoids and receptors that are expressed throughout the body - is known to play an important role in digestive health. Studies indicate that it helps to maintain homeostasis in the digestive system, which highlights its potential in managing a range of symptoms associated with gastroenterological conditions.

And, as its name suggests, it’s also the internal system medical cannabis, and the cannabinoids it contains, interacts with once it enters the body. 

As well as helping to relieve pain and manage anxiety, cannabis-based medicines have shown potential in slowing intestinal motility, maintaining healthy pH levels in the digestive tract, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. And so, its unsurprising that a growing number of patients are turning to medical cannabis as a supportive therapy for their gastroenterological conditions.

Hear from medical cannabis patient Omar: 

Omar has IBS, and he came to Releaf in 2024 in search of a solution. When we spoke to Omar, he told us:

“I think my doctors and I have found a healthy balance with the treatment: the flare-ups are managed by the cannabis oil, and the discomfort is managed by the flower…

…The relationship between the mind and body is an incredibly powerful one, and I think medicines that address both of those things at the same time are a powerful tool in the healing process.”

For further reading on medical cannabis for gastroenterological conditions - check out our other blog:‘Exploring the benefits of medical cannabis for gastroenterological conditions’.

Discover a new approach to digestive health

If you’re interested in how medical cannabis could help to support your treatment for gastroenterological conditions, Releaf can help you find an answer. 

Our specialist doctors are knowledgeable and experienced in identifying the best course of treatment for prospective patients. So, why not see if you could be eligible in under a minute with our eligibility checker?

With our money-back guarantee on initial consultations, our excellent Trustpilot rating, and a range of patient testimonials, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.