{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/crohn's-disease/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2535-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Crohn’s Disease Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-crohns-disease-answered","content":"Life with Crohn’s disease can be downright painful—and mentally exhausting, too. With symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, cramping and constipation, folks not only have to deal with physical suffering, but also worry about what will happen if they find themselves with no bathroom in sight. \n\nResearch from the past few years shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis can help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. [Compounds found in marijuana seem to mimic naturally occurring molecules inside the body](https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.source.php?sourceID=000412) that have been shown to lower intestinal inflammation. This means that not only can cannabis help with pain, but it can also give Crohn’s sufferers a better quality of life.\n\nHere are three of our most popular questions about how marijuana could help those with Crohn’s disease. The answers were provided by doctors, cannabis industry veterans and seasoned cannabis consumers in our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) section. Head there to ask a question of your own whenever you’re unsure about anything cannabis-related. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: I want to get the medical benefits of cannabis for Crohn's, without the high. What should I be taking?\n**_I've started with drops of a 20:1 CBD:THC tincture. Is this a good ratio or would 10:1 be more effective?_**\n\nAnswer: [@PiantaTinta](https://www.hellomd.com/people/55d608756363370006440000/piantatinta) With the people I’ve worked with that have digestive issues, what has worked the best is either a 4:1 CBD/THC ratio or a 1:1 ratio. The THC is very helpful in relaxing the gut...with the 1:1 ratio product it depends on dosing, with larger dosing you might get a mild \"high.”\n\n### Q: Which topical product would you recommend for muscle/joint aches associated with Crohn's?\n\nAnswer: [@drolson](https://www.hellomd.com/people/550c5a786336370003010000/drolson) I would suggest a CBD-dominant cream. And when using the topical CBD-dominant cream, do not forget to treat your spine. Typically, when a person has Crohn's disease or in any kind of G.I. distress, they may also notice of backache and this is called the visceral somatic response. \n\nWhen the viscera, the G.I. system (your guts), become inflamed, the nerves that go to the spine pick up on the inflammation so in order to stop inflammation in the body you also want to treat the nerves in the spine that correspond to the area of your body that is inflamed. To calm the G.I. system, you would apply the topical CBD-dominant cream to your spine beginning about the level of the bottom of your scapula tip to the waistline. If you apply the cream every hour during your waking hours you likely will achieve long extended periods of pain relief in approximately one week.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5a3c52d977a88f000694a915/which-topical-product-would-you-recommend-for-muscle-joint-aches-associated-with-crohns).\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS SHOWS PROMISE AS A TREATMENT FOR CROHN’S DISEASE AND COLITIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561d5de53233340006be0000/cannabis-shows-promise-as-a-treatment-for-crohns-disease-and-colitis)\n\n### Q: How to approach my doctor about using medical marijuana for Crohn’s remission.\n\n**_My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2011. He was mostly symptom free until December 2015 when he took an antibiotic for strep throat which led to a severe flare. He was prescribed 60mg of prednisone and placed on remicade infusions. This combination made him feel awful, and he wasn't getting better. The pain was terrible and he was taking oxycodone just to get through the day. When the pain was more than he could take, we would make trips to the ER and spend 5–6 days in the hospital at a time trying to get the inflammation under control. Finally, in April he had surgery. Now we are wondering what to do to keep the Crohn’s in remission. He doesn't want to do the remicade anymore, and he is absolutely done with steroids. He has done a lot of research on medical marijuana and Crohn’s, but doesn't know how to approach the subject with his doctor. It’s something he wants to try, but doesn't think his doctor will be on board with it._**\n\nAnswer: [@dredmunds](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5695961d38c92e000a00006e/dredmunds) Doctor's tend to like data, and a literature search on Crohn's disease and cannabis will reveal an abundance of data supporting cannabis for the treatment of Crohn's disease. You might want to bring in an article written for the lay-person that references several studies, such as [\"Worth Repeating: Medical Marijuana Defeat's Crohn's Disease\"]( http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2016/03/12/worth-repeating-medical-marijuana-defeats-crohns-disease/) published in SF Gate.\n\nAs this article points out, there have been several studies using cellular, animal and human models indicating that marijuana may not only be used for treating the symptoms of Crohn's disease (such as cramping, pain, and nausea) but may also reverse the disease process by modulating the immune system and decreasing inflammation. As a result, many patients have been able to wean off corticosteroids, opiates, and anti-inflammatory drugs and even potentially prevent surgeries necessitated by disease.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5745dfe439d9d4000800002f/how-to-approach-my-doctor-about-using-medical-marijuana-for-crohns-remission).\n\nPhoto credit: [Mitchell Hollander](https://unsplash.com/@mitchellsh)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/14b42/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/f836f/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/2244e/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 400w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/14b42/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 800w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/47498/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/0e329/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/04d0c/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 3733w","srcWebp":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/58556/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/61e93/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/1f5c5/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 400w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/58556/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 800w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/99238/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 1200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/7c22d/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 1600w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/14f09/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 3733w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2001-markdown","title":"Introducing Sava: a Premier Online Marketplace for Artisanal Cannabis Goods","slug":"introducing-sava-a-premier-online-marketplace-for-artisanal-cannabis-goods","content":"I met Andrea Brooks, Founder of the newly launched [Sava](http://getsava.com/), at Chow a popular eatery in San Francisco’s Castro District. She was busy towards the back of the restaurant on her Apple Workbook, tapping away, adding some finishing touches to her newly released online retail site. Sava is a new player in the world of cannabis and is a breath of fresh air in a marketplace awash in bud, oh and more bud.\r\n\r\nIn Andrea’s words [Sava](http://getsava.com/) is “like Etsy, only more curatorial in its approach. We find best of breed in smaller, artisanal brands and help bring them to the fore.  Our brands highlight the best and the brightest in lesser-known harder to find cannabis brands. When we select products, we choose them based on what  we would  use ourselves, products we could really get behind and are excited about. Like Etsy, we allow our producers to set up a shop and highlight their products in a way that best suits their style.”\r\n\r\nI was happy to spend time with Andrea to better understand [Sava](http://getsava.com/) and her business model as I am often stumped as to what to purchase in a traditional dispensary. After looking at the initial line up of shops within Sava, I became even more excited by her concept. Storefront dispensaries often carry the same brands and products and most, across the board, are very high in THC. Also, many will only exclusively carry flowers (bud, weed, the green stuff) and not even venture into other product types, such as tinctures and topicals. Andrea’s curatorial approach has the potential for a home run. It certainly hit the sweet spot for me; an active Mom who is not looking to smoke a big joint, but would rather soak in some CBD Epsom salts or take it down a notch with some flavorful THC laced jam on toast. Oh, yum!\r\n\r\n**You compare [Sava](http://getsava.com/) to Etsy, how is Sava like Etsy and how does it differ?**\r\n\r\nOne of the aspects I love about Etsy is that you can learn about who is making your product - it’s a lovely personal touch.  Even more so than something like jewelry or a furnishing, I want to know where my medicine comes from.  Why has the provider chosen to pursue this path?  What inspired them?  What is their method of making their product?  [Sava](http://getsava.com/) is like Etsy in that we showcase our providers and make them accessible to patients. It helps to de-stigmatize the products and cannabis in general.  When I was injured and turned to medical cannabis for help, I was lucky enough to have someone  guide me.  I would now like to guide others in a transparent and informative way. \r\n\r\nHowever, we do differ from Etsy. At [Sava](http://getsava.com/), we carefully curate  providers we showcase and allow on the site.  We do significant research to learn about their sourcing and process.  We want high quality products, produced by people that are passionate about building their brands and helping others.  In addition, we are also launching new producers and providing them access into the industry.\r\n\r\n**What are the types of products and brands you highlight within your Sava shops and how do you curate the selection?**\r\n\r\nI’m a fan of the whole plant and all its uses, but I’m a particularly fond of topicals, tinctures and edibles. It’s important to us to highlight the ways these types of products can have medicinal benefit.  When I reach out to new folks to discuss [Sava](http://getsava.com/), and I show them the types of products that I am offering, more often than not I hear “I’ve never seen that before!” or “ I didn’t know that existed!”   This feedback comes from people  who regularly shop at  dispensaries and they haven’t been exposed to artisanal 'cannabis makers' and this needs to change.  There are so many amazing medicinal uses to discover, from medicated epsom salts to expertly crafted high CBD tinctures to THC-rich shea butter creams to small-batch infused jam.   I use topicals, tinctures and edibles to help with my own pain and inflammation.  A significant group of our sellers provide products that address common ailments, as well as a beautiful end product. \r\n\r\n**What challenges do artisanal product manufacturers face in the cannabis world today?**\r\n\r\nArtisanal producers in this industry face many of the same challenges they do in other industries - it can be very expensive and time-consuming to produce a high-quality product.   Assuming one can manage the ups and downs of product development, the next step is getting the product to market.  It can be a long journey. If you don’t have the right connections, especially in the cannabis industry, the journey gets longer. I’ve spoken with many women within the industry about the challenges of getting into a dispensary; it was one of the inspirations for Sava.  The whims of a dispensary owner can keep an amazing product off a shelf.  As such, new channels need to be created.\r\n\r\nHowever, it’s all about finding the right partnerships.  I’m active in the [Bay Area Women Grow](http://womengrow.com/) chapter and have met so many incredible women through that group, many of whom I developed a working relationship with.  I feel very lucky to have these resources available to help create a primary goal of Sava: to  create a space that is dedicated to providing  products  to women. \r\n \r\n**I imagine that smaller product manufacturers are excited to gain exposure on your site. What has the response been like?**\r\n\r\nYes!  I find that as excited I am to have them, they are equally excited to be showcased in a new environment.   I want to support them as much as possible, from periodically highlighting different shops to helping owners write blog pieces on their areas of expertise.   I’ve found that  everyone has a special story that lead them to enter this industry.  For example, team Strictly Topical , which makes Sweet Releaf - a trichome infused body butter.  The daughter in the mother-and-daughter team suffered a car accident which left her with severe chronic pain.  It’s a moving story  - and Sweet Releaf is amazing! Additionally, some of the smaller producers will be able to scale over time.  We are happy to help them along the way and provide necessary support as they expand.\r\n\r\n**What products are you most excited to use yourself?**\r\n\r\nOh wow - that is hard to choose!  So many exciting options!   I am also a fan of both THC and CBD, so I’m making sure I have products that are rich in both.  \r\nI’ve had a few friends recently that have pulled me aside and said “What’s this new CBD strain I keep hearing about?”  Well, as we know,  it’s not new and it’s not a strain. But with the creative products Sava is offering, there will be many new experiences to be had.\r\n\r\nAlong the lines of CBD, I can’t wait to try the CBD Raw Sipping Cacao from Om Edibles.  Not only does it have all the antioxidants of this superfood, all the benefits of CBD as well.  I’m anticipating this beverage being my constant companion as we move into the winter.  And Flour Child, which makes amazing THC-rich edibles, has a Lavender-Mint scented CBD-rich relief balm. I’ll probably be using that on my hands when I’m done sipping the cacao!\r\n\r\n**Today's cannabis user is no longer seen as the stoner who cannot get off the couch. Who do you see as your target market and what demographic do you most hope to reach?** \r\n\r\nThat is so true re: the stereotypical stoner!  There is still a stigma to overcome - and I’m happy to be part of dismantling it.  De-stigmatization is incredibly important as it helps connect patients with medicine that can help them.  Doing this work, I meet so many people.  The more I get out and talk with people, the more I’m amazed at how many people are turning to cannabis as a new, viable remedy for what ails them.  The same way I did.  \r\n\r\nI see my target market as women over 30 who have already explored alternative health and wellness options. They have likely tried medical cannabis - or maybe they’ve been thinking about it and they are ready to take the plunge.  These are women that want to continue to explore new alternatives to pain management, auto-immune challenges and dealing with PMS.  This is who we are here to help. In my previous life I worked in animal welfare and senior care - so those two populations are incredibly important to me as well.\r\n\r\n**What inspired you to start [Sava](http://getsava.com/)?**\r\n\r\nMy inspiration to start [Sava](http://getsava.com/) is very personal.  A few years ago, I suffered a disabling injury that left me with systemic nerve damage.  I went from serving on a SF city commission, the board of a local animal rescue group and working as a program director & case manager in the field of fair housing to becoming completely disabled within a very short period of time.  The pain was unbearable and I lost my independence, becoming bed-bound for nearly a year.  My doctors gave me drugs and more drugs - some of which helped with the pain, but none of which had a healing effect.  And then came the side-effects.  It felt as if I was watching my life take a long, slow spiral downward, punctuated by doctors telling me different things I would never be able to do or regain, such as the full usage of my right side. One day, a friend brought me a strain he thought would help and also made me a tincture.   It was a dramatic turning point in my recovery.    I was able to manage my pain without the side effects and my mood improved dramatically.  I was able to wean off all the prescription drugs, move and stretch, do the physical exercise I needed to help heal myself. \r\n\r\nAs I continued in my healing journey, I tried more uses of medical cannabis.  But I couldn’t find everything that I wanted in one place, and I often needed to have my medicine delivered as it was hard for me to get around.  I also couldn’t find out the level of information I desired.  So, with Sava I’m creating what I wished existed for me:  a comfortable, safe shopping experience with the female customer in mind.\r\n\r\n**Can anyone order from your site? How do people receive their orders?**\r\n\r\nYes, you need to have a California medical card, and you need to be the legal age to purchase  - just like purchasing any other medical cannabis products.  For many that shop at [Sava](http://getsava.com/), this will likely be the first time that they want to get a card.  As such, we’ve kept it as smooth and simple as a shopping experience as possible.  There are shop information pages where you can read about the collective, their methods and background - or you can also go straight to where all the products are listed and search by what you are looking for or what condition you want help with.   Every product states the full ingredients and guidance on use.  Once you select what you want and proceed through checkout, your items will arrive safely the next day!\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/ee604/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png","srcSet":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/69585/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/497c6/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 400w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/ee604/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 800w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/f3583/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 1200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/f90fa/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/58556/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/61e93/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/1f5c5/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 400w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/58556/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 800w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/99238/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 1200w,\n/static/c818dcd65bd2d487b2fef59c7674721e/5e0b8/582f1774caa4264162c668f435cd9a79.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1955-markdown","title":"Cannabis Transdermal Patches: Easy to Use & Effective for Pain","slug":"cannabis-transdermal-patches-easy-to-use-and-effective-for-pain","content":"Since 2013, [Mary’s Medicinals](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/) focused on the medicinal cannabis consumer, establishing itself as an innovative and trusted brand within the industry. Available in Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and California, Mary’s was the first to offer medical marijuana consumers transdermal patches. Mary’s transdermals, discreet patches that are worn on the skin, won numerous awards including Most Innovative Product at the CannAwards in 2015. Mary’s is re-thinking how cannabis is used, taking cues from consumption methods for pharmaceutical treatments, with great success.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### What Are Marijuana Transdermal Patches?\r\n\r\nTransdermal patches are medicated adhesive patches placed on a venous area of the skin. They release small amounts of medication into the bloodstream over a long period of time. To explain how the patches are different from topical creams, Graham Sorkin of Mary’s Medicinals says, “Topical creams can typically be absorbed by the top one to three layers of skin and may offer pain relief locally, to say a shoulder or knee. Transdermal patches differ from topical creams in that the medicine goes through all seven layers of skin and enters directly into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches deliver systematic rather than localized relief.”\r\n\r\n### Pros of Using Cannabis Patches\r\n\r\nPatches allow for absorption at a steady rate over a longer period of time. They don’t require a person to remember to dose at regular intervals, and they can even be used with an upset stomach. Nitroglycerin and nicotine patches are two of the more well-known medicated patches associated with traditional western medicine.\r\n“Transdermal patches are not new,” Graham contends. “However, using them as a delivery method for cannabis is. We find that our consumers already feel comfortable with a transdermal patch. Many of our consumers are elderly, and patches are not only familiar but also a benign way to consume cannabis for pain relief.”\r\n\r\nAn added benefit to transdermal patches is the accuracy in dosing. Unlike edibles, which are first absorbed in the stomach, a patch delivers the medicine directly into the bloodstream. Interestingly, Graham notes, “A 10 mg dose from a transdermal patch is roughly equivalent to what you might feel from an 80 mg serving from an edible. This is due to the high bio-availability with the patch; it enters into the blood which results in 100% cannabinoid uptake.”\r\n\r\nAs absorption happens steadily over a longer period of time Graham says, “We often hear from people that they don’t even notice the patch or a different feeling except when they realize there is an absence of pain. That’s an incredible relief for people who’ve lived with chronic pain.”\r\n\r\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574b679b982db9000a000055/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test)\r\n\r\n### Marijuana Transdermal Gel Pens Accompany the Patches\r\n\r\nAlthough dosing is accurate with the patches, Mary’s believes some people may wish to augment the patch with a personalized, blended cannabinoid ratio. For this reason, Mary’s developed a line of [transdermal gel pens](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/), which are meant to be an accompaniment to the transdermal patch.\r\n\r\nThe gel pen microdoses different cannabinoids and can be rubbed directly into the skin for additional relief. “People with migraines indicate that using a transdermal gel rubbed directly into their temples provides pain relief,” says Graham.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis Transdermal Patches Are Unlikely to Get You High\r\n\r\nThe majority of Mary’s transdermal patches are non-psychotropic. Non-psychotropic patches include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and their cannabidiol: tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) 1:1 offering. “To date we haven’t heard from anyone that they have gotten too high or that the patch has even made them uncomfortable,” says Graham. “If you don’t like the feeling you have from a patch, then you can take it off and the feeling will go away very quickly. When you smoke too much cannabis, you may be stuck with an uncomfortable feeling. If you take a patch off, within 10 minutes the amount of cannabinoids in your system will go down.”\r\n\r\nLooking at Mary’s testimonials, you’ll see a variety of patients with different medical conditions finding relief with the transdermal patches. Although Mary’s developed products for the medicinal market, the company is cautious about advising patients medically.\r\n\r\n“When people reach out to us with specific medical conditions and concerns, we want to offer them the best possible advice. For this reason, we partnered with [Realm of Caring](https://www.theroc.us/), a Colorado-based nonprofit that provides support for people using cannabis as therapy.”\r\n\r\nMary’s Medicinals can be found in [several locations nationwide](http://www.marysmedicinals.com/find-marys-products/). Additionally, the company has launched Mary’s Nutritionals, which offers CBD-only products derived from hemp for both human and pet consumption.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png","srcSet":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/69585/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/497c6/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/ee604/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f3583/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/f90fa/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/61e93/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/1f5c5/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 400w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/58556/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 800w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/99238/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1200w,\n/static/f1363402101174ca3f42f36a8219449e/5e0b8/bb6c425a344775e52d72d9072aa83d62.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1951-markdown","title":"Cannabis 101: Your Quick Guide to Medical Marijuana","slug":"cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana","content":"You’ve finally decided to try cannabis. Some of you may have secured a [medical cannabis recommendation](https://www.hellomd.com/). Whether you have or not, you may be confused as to what you need to know before you make your first purchase. This isn’t uncommon for new cannabis consumers seeking to try marijuana to improve their health and wellness.\n\nBelow is a quick guide that will help put you on the path to finding the right medicinal marijuana for you.\n\n### Know Which Symptoms or Condition You Want to Treat\n\nIf you have a serious medical condition which medical marijuana may help, always consult with a doctor first. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable cannabis consultant should be able to advise you on which products will help with specific symptoms. \n\n* Different cannabis strains help with different symptoms.\n* Sativa is commonly known to be uplifting.\n* Indica is commonly known to be more of a sedative.\n* Seek the advice of a reputable cannabis consultant, or budtender—the patient advisor at a dispensary or shop.\n* A reputable dispensary or shop should have in-depth knowledge on all of its products.\n\n### The Importance of Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoidsare what makes the cannabis plant so unique. There are over 100 known cannabinoids. \n\n* Cannabinoids react with our body’s own endocannabinoid system.\n* Cannabinoids bind to either the CB1 or CB2 receptor in our brain.\n* The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.\n* Tetrahydrocannabinol THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* Cannabidiol CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* High-CBD products are a great option for people who don’t want to get high.\n* CBD counteracts the psychoactivity of THC.\n* THC and CBD—along with a number of other cannabinoids and terpenes—work together synergistically to treat illness. This is called the entourage effect.\n\n### The Percentage or Ratio of CBD to THC\n\nIt’s important to consider the ratio of CBD to THC as they influence the plant’s effects on your body.\n\n* Marijuana flower will list the ratio of THC to CBD by percentage.\n* A large majority of marijuana flower (bud) is very high in THC, the psychoactive component.\n* If you’re seeking a non-psychoactive flower, ask for a high-CBD strain.\n* Products other than marijuana bud most often list the ratio of CBD to THC and will be in milligrams.\n* If shown in a ration, CBD comes first, followed by THC in California. For example, a 1:1 ratio is most often somewhat psychoactive, and an 18:1 ratio would not be psychoactive at all.\n* Meanwhile, THC precedes CBD in New York formulations.\n* Always read the instructions on packaged products, and know what you’re purchasing. Make sure the products you buy are lab tested; this is important for your safety and health.\n* Although products may be labeled, the information may be inaccurate depending on the product manufacturer.\n\n### Reactions to Cannabis Differ\n\nEvery person is unique when it comes to marijuana, and how you react may be different to how your friend or family member reacts.\n\n* Reactions differ to not only the main cannabinoids, but to different products as well as dosages.\n* Before you begin, know if you’re comfortable with the feeling of getting high.\n* Start with a small dose. If you smoke, take a half-second puff and wait 10 minutes to see how your body reacts.\n* If you buy a product, such as an edible, read the label carefully and take a quarter to half the recommended dose the first time. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to feek the effects of an edible.\n* Always wait to see how your body reacts before ingesting more marijuana.\n* Different products take longer to take effect. Also, a number of other factors—like what and when you ate, your gender, mental state and more—can influence the onset of marijuana’s effects. So, be patient. \n* Microdosing is key—start small and work your way up to the recommended dosage.\n\n### Many Forms of Marijuana Available\n\nThe world of cannabis has been blown open with a wide array of shapes and forms. You don’t have to smoke your medicine anymore.\n\n* Flowers, or strains, refer to the unprocessed green marijuana flower you can buy at the dispensary.\n* Pre-rolls are joints made from different cannabis strains.\n* Edibles encompass all foods and technically drinks that can be taken orally.\n* Concentrates come in the form of cartridges for vape pens as well as oils, waxes, kief, hash and rosin.\n* Capsules are pills that can be taken; these are often high in CBD.\n* Vape pens allow you to ingest marijuana from an oil cartridge with a discreet pen.\n* Sublingual cannabis come as tablets, sprays, tinctures and strips to dissolve in your mouth or under your tongue, and can take effect quite quickly.\n* Marijuana-infused topicals include oils, creams, lotions, balms and salves—all of which provide localized relief.\n* Meanwhile, cannabis transdermal patches release small amounts of medicine into the bloodstream over a long period of time.\n\n\n### Outdoor-Grown, Indoor-Grown or Greenhouse Marijuana\n\nMarijuana is primarily grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.\n\n* Indoor-grown cannabis typically sports higher prices than outdoor-grown marijuana does, because it costs more to grow cannabis indoors. As well, the controlled environment of an indoor grow can result in higher-quality cannabis.\n* Outdoor-grown marijuana may be less “kind” than indoor plants because its exposed to the elements. However, outdoor marijuana also takes advantage of the natural light to produce more complex terpene and cannabinoid profiles.\n* Greenhouse marijuana is grown in a partially controlled environment and hovers somewhere between indoor and outdoor in terms of quality. \n* In any case, before you buy medical marijuana, the end product should be lab tested for chemicals and bacterial growth that may be hazardous to your health.\n\nIf you’d like to receive your medical marijuana recommendation, [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) facilitates an online doctor's consultation with one of our knowledgeable cannabis doctors. The process is easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/f836f/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/2244e/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/47498/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/61e93/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/1f5c5/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/99238/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1935-markdown","title":"Cannabis Shows Promise in Treating Crohn's Disease & Colitis","slug":"cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-crohns-disease-and-colitis","content":"For people with Crohn's disease or colitis, life can mean always wondering when the condition will flare up and how bad the symptoms will be. Until now, treatments have been limited for these painful, life-altering conditions. Although some feel relief through a change in diet and prescription medication, people suffering from Crohn's disease and colitis were often left to manage the condition on their own.\r\n\r\nFortunately, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease recently qualified for treatment with medical cannabis and, as a result, individuals who suffer from these conditions now have access to medical marijuana treatment in more states.\r\n\r\n### What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease & Colitis?\r\n\r\nCrohn's disease and colitis are gastrointestinal disorders that belong to a family of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can cause painful swelling in any part of the GI tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain and cramping, constipation, persistent diarrhea or a persistent feeling that the bowels are not entirely empty.\r\n\r\nUlcerative colitis is quite similar to Crohn's disease except for the fact that it affects only the innermost layer of the colon. The symptoms of Colitis are similar to Crohn's disease and include fever, decreased appetite, weight loss, fatigue and amenorrhea in women.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### Why Is Marijuana Effective Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? \r\n\r\nAs is true with many disorders, cannabis has been used for centuries to treat the symptoms of Crohn's disease and colitis. Cannabis is an effective treatment for these disorders because it can significantly limit intestinal inflammation. According to a statement issued by The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America in 2012, compounds found in the marijuana plant closely mimic endocannabinoids (molecules that occur naturally in the body) and have been shown to play an important part in decreasing gastrointestinal inflammation.\r\n\r\nAlthough the anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis hold true for all people, IBD patients have been shown to have more cannabinoid receptors in the tissue of the colon than people without IBD, which means that people affected by Crohn's disease and colitis are likely to respond to the anti-inflammatory properties of medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, researchers at the Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases at Chaim Sheba Medical Center found that inhaled medical cannabis can help improve the quality of life in people affected by Crohn's disease and colitis. This study also found that medical cannabis can stimulate the appetite in affected patients, resulting in healthy weight gain and an overall improvement in symptoms.\r\n\r\nThe same study also found that, after three months of treatment with medical marijuana, patients affected by Crohn's disease or colitis enjoyed:\r\n\r\n* A better quality of life\r\n* Greater ability to work a normal job\r\n* Increased ability to perform daily tasks and maintain a social life\r\n* A drastic decrease in pain reduction and mental anguish \r\n\r\nThese results were reported without accompanying side effects.\r\n\r\nFinally, researchers at the Sire Manchester Hospital in England published a study that found that [IBS patients who used medical cannabis reported improved diarrhea symptoms and a decrease in pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21795981).\r\n\r\nAs it stands now, there are dozens of high-quality studies that illustrate the fact that medical marijuana serves an important purpose in treating and relieving IBD symptoms. In addition to relieving pain, muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation, certain strains of cannabis also promote appetite, produce weight gain and enhance the mood of affected patients.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [MEDICAL MARIJUANA STUDY REVEALS “COMPLETE REMISSION: OF CROHN’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55ccdde83634640006110000/medical-marijuana-study-reveals-complete-remission-of-crohns-disease)\r\n\r\n### Best Cannabis Strains for Crohn’s Disease or Colitis\r\n\r\nWhile it’s evident that cannabis is a valuable treatment option for patients with IBD, researchers found a variety of specific strains that are ideal for treating different aspects of the disease. These strains include:\r\n\r\n* **Cherry Pie** is a sativa-dominant strain that’s ideal for increasing appetite and soothing pain in IBD patients.\r\n* **Bubblegum** is an [indica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_indica) strain with a 20% CBD content, which contributes to its pain-relieving and anti-anxiety properties. It’s ideal for people who want to relieve discomfort and fatigue, diminish depression and lead a more normal life.\r\n* **Sour Grape** is an indica strain that can help IBD patients struggling to maintain a social life feel more lively and less depressed. This strain is also ideal for boosting appetite and relieving anxiety.\r\n* **American Beauty** is a sativa strain that’s potent enough to provide all-day pain relief while also easing insomnia and depression. Slightly stronger than some other strains used to treat IBS, American Beauty will leave you relaxed and comfortable for hours after use.\r\n\r\nColitis and Crohn's disease are both incredibly disruptive conditions that can affect people's ability to hold a job, maintain social relationships or even plan everyday events. Because the symptoms of these conditions are so unpredictable and painful, they often rob affected individuals of their ability to lead a normal life. Fortunately, the soothing effects of medicinal cannabis have the potential to treat some of these symptoms and help people with IBD live a healthier, more robust life despite their condition.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Double-M](https://www.flickr.com/people/double-m2/)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/14b42/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/f836f/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 200w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/2244e/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 400w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/14b42/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 800w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/16310/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/58556/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/61e93/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 200w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/1f5c5/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 400w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/58556/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 800w,\n/static/c306efcb787c5b3225d99f385bed42b4/cc834/c47bc36b93d276ad4c7893766caeea3a.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1941-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Study Reveals \"Complete Remission\" of Crohn's Disease","slug":"medical-marijuana-study-reveals-complete-remission-of-crohns-disease","content":"Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disease for which there is no cure, has a\r\nsignificant impact on quality of life. While many types of medications\r\ncan help prevent or control the symptoms of the disease, [undesirable\r\neffects](http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Crohns-disease/Pages/Treatment.aspx),\r\nsuch as weakening of the bones and increased vulnerability to\r\ninfections, often occur when those medications are used.\r\n\r\nStudy Findings Show Promise\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nRecognizing the need for new treatments that relieve symptoms with as\r\nfew side effects as possible, researchers at Meir Medical Center in\r\nIsrael examined the effects of the marijuana plant Cannabis sativa on\r\npatients with severe Crohn's disease. Published in the journal \"Clinical\r\nGastroenterology and Hepatology\" in October 2013, the\r\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23648372) involved 21\r\npatients with severe Crohn's disease. Of those 21 patients, 11 patients\r\nsmoked two joints a day for eight weeks. The other 10 patients were\r\ngiven a placebo.\r\n\r\nIn total, five of the 11 patients (45 percent) who smoked marijuana\r\ndaily achieved total remission of their symptoms. They also reported\r\nimproved appetites and sleep patterns with no significant side effects.\r\nMoreover, a clinical response--a detectable change in patients' signs\r\nand symptoms--was found in 10 of those patients (90 percent). A clinical\r\nresponse was found in only four of the 10 patients (40 percent) given a\r\nplacebo.\r\n\r\nIt is believed marijuana's anti-inflammatory effects may be responsible\r\nfor these results. The plant's constituent molecules kill bacteria,\r\nwhich may play a role in Crohn's disease. A\r\n[study](http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2015/04/30/gutjnl-2015-309333)\r\nby researchers at Technische Universität München (TUM) in Germany and\r\npublished in the journal \"Gut\" in April 2015 has shown that bacteria in\r\nthe intestines can lead to an inflammation similar to Crohn's disease.\r\n\r\nCrohn's Disease Patient Faces Prison Sentence for Marijuana Use\r\n---------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nDespite growing evidence of marijuana's ability to provide relief from\r\nCrohn's disease symptoms, medical use of marijuana remains illegal in\r\nsome states. Shona Banda, a Kansas mother who uses marijuana oil as\r\ntherapy for Crohn's disease, recently had her home\r\n[searched](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2015/04/17/state-seizes-11-year-old-arrests-his-mother-after-he-defends-medical-marijuana-during-a-school-presentation/)\r\nby the Garden City Police Department after her son's school reported\r\ncomments he made in favor of marijuana during an anti-drug presentation.\r\nShe is also fighting for custody of her son after the Department of\r\nChildren and Families took him from her home, saying her use of\r\nmarijuana to control her debilitating illness was putting the child in\r\ndanger.\r\n\r\nBanda was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2000 and began using\r\nmarijuana oil as therapy for her symptoms in 2009. She claims marijuana\r\nhas worked better than prescribed medicines. Banda and her son\r\npreviously resided in Colorado, where marijuana is legal for\r\nrecreational use. However, possession of marijuana is illegal in Kansas\r\nand can result in a year of jail time and a \\$1,000 fine, according to\r\nthe [Marijuana Policy Project](http://www.mpp.org/states/kansas/). A\r\nbill that allows patients to use marijuana oil is advancing in the\r\nKansas state legislature, according to the [Kansas City\r\nStar](http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/lewis-diuguid/article14567774.html).\r\nIf it passes, Kansas will join 23 states that currently have laws\r\nallowing medical marijuana use.\r\n\r\nCrohn's disease affects an estimated [700,000\r\nAmericans](http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-crohns-disease/)\r\nand conventional medicines often offer little relief. Medical marijuana\r\noffers hope and may relieve symptoms more effectively than standard\r\ntreatment. Legalization of marijuana for medical use could make it\r\neasier for patients with Crohn's disease to benefit from the therapeutic\r\neffects of marijuana without breaking the law. Many patients who could\r\ngreatly benefit from medical marijuana are being denied access to the\r\ntherapy, which is a problem HelloMD hopes to see change as the medicinal\r\nbenefits of marijuana become more legitimized.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/methticalman/3274586803/in/photolist-hRLTUV-5Zn7za-87Gt3c-r5qYa4-dzDj27-68aRFC-b9nFQe-8dAqXM-4wTKAY-87KEEq-5sv8Z3-5ZrkjS-qasCez-5Zn7Ee-8yBLqq-9mastW-c3Bb-uHpPUU-9m5Ne8-9m7q3i-9maucQ-9matXo-9m7prr-9matu1-9matf9-nTwy8T-5tD7fw-9cvitd-yXYs5-9mat5b-9masTU-9m7ooM-9mascG-9mas49-9VQNHJ-9dxKN-azmNNH-7z2m1L-bzKs3-BJdWo-5ZzfjK-9Wk9kh-auSj3Q-9VQzhJ-2NiMz-CMtsE-ctZsw)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/14b42/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/f836f/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/2244e/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 400w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/14b42/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 800w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/47498/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/54ac5/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/58556/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/61e93/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/1f5c5/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 400w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/58556/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 800w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/99238/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 1200w,\n/static/2d3083424e28d2b9541e7e7649429cb1/5e0b8/115045aa5bf8ccd175241bc89c78ad0b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1875-markdown","title":"The New Way to Ease Crohn's Symptoms: Medical Marijuana","slug":"the-new-way-to-ease-crohns-symptoms-medical-marijuana","content":"Crohn's Disease is an autoimmune disease that results in chronic\r\ninflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It generally affects\r\nthe beginning of the large intestine and the lower section of the small\r\nbowel. Symptoms of Crohn's Disease include persistent diarrhea,\r\nabdominal pain and intestinal obstruction, occasionally combined with\r\nrectal bleeding. Some two-thirds of patients with Crohn's will require\r\nsurgery at some point during their lifetime to reduce their symptoms.\r\n\r\nNew Research Suggests Medical Marijuana Can Help\r\n------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nDr. Jeffrey Hergenrather recently [published research in the journal\r\nClinical Gastroenterology and\r\nHepatology](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542356513006046)\r\nthat suggests that medical marijuana may offer relief to certain\r\npatients with Crohn's disease. Because patients with Crohn's or\r\nirritable bowel disease (IBD) have high levels of endocannabinoid\r\nreceptors in their GI tract, Hergenrather wondered if the cannabinoids\r\nin marijuana could reduce their inflammation.\r\n\r\nIn his study, published in 2013, Hergenrather found that 10 out of 11\r\npatients who were treated with medical marijuana had \"significant\r\nreduction in symptoms.\" Five of those patients experienced a complete\r\nremission of the disease.\r\n\r\n\"This has a huge effect on patients with Crohn's disease,\" said\r\nHergenrather in [an interview\r\nwith](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Hergenrather-CME.pdf)\r\n*[O'Shaugnessy's](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Hergenrather-CME.pdf)*.\r\nHe originally conceived of the study in 2000 when he compared notes with\r\nother clinicians about the effects medical marijuana was having on their\r\npatients. \"We noticed right off that people were saying cannabis was\r\nworking for Crohn's Disease,\" he says.\r\n\r\nThe Science Behind the Cure\r\n---------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabis acts on receptors in the brain called CB1 and CB2, which are\r\nprotein molecules that change their shape when they encounter a chemical\r\nstimulus. Stimulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors causes changes in brain\r\nand body function. CB1 and CB2 are receptors that change their shape when\r\nthey encounter cannabinoids like THC. This process occurs in the GI\r\ntract when medical marijuana is used. Due to the fact that both CB1 and\r\nCB2 cannabinoid receptors are found in the digestive system, medical\r\nmarijuana is particularly promising as a treatment regimen for patients\r\nwith digestive disorders. When medical marijuana activates CB1 receptors\r\nintestinal movement is decreased, which can potentially help treat\r\npersistent diarrhea. When CB2 cannabinoid receptors are activated by\r\nmedical marijuana, they decrease the production of the immune cells\r\nresponsible for inflammation. Additionally, THC has been shown to help\r\nreduce fluid leakage through the lining of the GI tract.\r\n\r\nWhile edibles are not always ideal for patients with Crohn's, due to the\r\nsensitivity of their stomachs, they are the fastest way to get\r\ncannabinoids to the receptors in the GI tract. Alternative delivery\r\nmethods patients with Crohn's can use are sublingual oils, vaporization,\r\nand smoking.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/36655009@N05/4369627924)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/14b42/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/f836f/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.jpg 200w,\n/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/2244e/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.jpg 400w,\n/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/14b42/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.jpg 800w,\n/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/16310/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/58556/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/61e93/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.webp 200w,\n/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/1f5c5/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.webp 400w,\n/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/58556/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.webp 800w,\n/static/548f73f9aece5367b3ec07e277818697/cc834/9140628c4001a1de75a10cfd9ea3694b.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5162,"name":"Crohn's Disease","slug":"crohn's-disease","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}