Does Crohn's Disease Qualify For Medical Marijuana In Missouri

Those who suffer from Crohn’s disease know what an impediment it can be to daily life. People with Crohn’s disease experience inflammation of the digestive tract, which causes unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, intense stomach pain, fatigue, and weight loss. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are treatment options that can help some people manage their symptoms. With about 800,000 people living with Crohn's Disease across the United States, it is estimated that roughly 15,000 individuals are living with this condition in the State of Missouri. Now, Missouri residents living with Crohn’s disease have another option to help them manage the condition: medical marijuana.

 

Medical Marijuana and Crohn’s Disease

Given that standard treatment options from Crohn’s disease are lacking, medical marijuana is a welcome addition to the mix. The key to medical marijuana’s effectiveness for treating Crohn’s disease lies in its cannabinoids, which interact with receptors in the gut. One cannabinoid in particular, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the gut. Reducing inflammation in this area of the body is key to controlling symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

 

Cannabis can be particularly beneficial for people living with Crohn’s disease for whom steroid or immunosuppressant medications have been ineffective. A 2013 study examined the impact of THC on a group of Crohn’s sufferers in this category. They found that almost all of the study participants using cannabis experienced significant, side-effect free benefits compared with a placebo group. Additional studies support that cannabis can be used to relieve symptoms such as pain and nausea for people with irritable bowel diseases. Another benefit of medical marijuana use for Crohn’s disease is that it reduces the need for other pharmaceuticals or surgeries, providing a more appealing alternative treatment method for Crohn’s disease sufferers.

 

Living with Crohn’s disease is not easy, and the lack of effective long-term treatment options can be discouraging. Though cannabis is no cure for the disease, it can help make life a lot more comfortable for people living with Crohn’s disease and reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with the condition. If you would like more information on medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease, give us a call. We can answer any questions you may have about the approval process, and get you scheduled with a doctor for an evaluation at one of our office locations.  

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Get Medical Marijuana In Missouri With Missouri Marijuana Card

Missouri Marijuana Card has doctor offices throughout the State of Missouri that specialize in helping qualifying patients access medical marijuana. If you’re interested in discussing whether medical marijuana is right for you, we're here to help you every step of the way.  Give us a call, or schedule an appointment online for more information. You can also check out our frequently asked questions page.