According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s Disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that can be treated but not cured.
However, there’s growing evidence that medical marijuana can help treat and suppress its symptoms. Patients who visit marijuana dispensaries in Orange County confirm that cannabis has improved their quality of life. Here’s how.
The endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps the body regulate extreme pain and it’s involved in all major immune system functions. Playing a major role in our immune and nervous systems, it is a bridge between the body and mind.
The ECS consist of endocannabinoids, which are chemical compounds similar to cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the enzymes that synthesize endocannabinoids. They are found throughout the body: in the brain, tissues, immune cells and organs.
Optimal relief of symptoms
The Chron’s Disease can be controlled to some extent through diet but studies have shown that medical cannabis can offer the best relief for the most severe symptoms like cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, etc. It also helps with abnormal intestinal contractions, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue.
Medical marijuana can also dramatically reduce the need for immunosuppressive medications and even surgery. Sometimes it can even cause complete remission of Crohn’s symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Cannabis doesn’t just mask Crohn’s symptoms, it treats them. There’s evidence that endocannabinoids play an important role in moderating intestinal inflammation. The CB2 receptors are also primarily involved in immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions, and they are found all throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Cannabinoids, substances found in cannabis, act upon the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Their activation may reduce excessive activity of the intestinal tract associated with the inflammation of the gut. THC, the prime ingredient of marijuana, can modulate the immune response of T lymphocytes and provide anti-inflammatory effect.
The effect, however, is not permanent. It wears off approximately two weeks after ceasing cannabis intake.
Better quality of life
Lots of studies have shown that a considerable number of IBD patients who use medical marijuana to treat their symptoms find it very beneficial, especially those who had abdominal surgery or suffer from chronic abdominal pain.
Patients have also reported lower levels of pain and depression. Medical marijuana has reduced their pain and stress, as well as improved their overall health. It helps them sleep better and enhances their appetite. So they continue to visit medical dispensaries Orange County for their regular dosage that helps them feel better.
No side effects
Corticosteroids and other medications are common treatment for less severe cases. However, they come with an array of side effects and can have addictive properties. Patients may face hair loss, high blood pressure, lowered immune response, and increased blood sugar level.
On the other hand, medical marijuana provides all the benefit and little downside. Those suffering from Chron’s Disease have reported no unpleasant side effects. Cannabis even helped patients who developed steroid dependency.
Marijuana dispensaries Orange County: your best alternative
If you suffer from Chron’s Disease and want to find out more about the benefits of medical cannabis, visit People’s OC, the best among medical marijuana dispensaries in Orange County and the largest of its kind in California.
We offer a vast selection of excellent-quality consumables and accessories. Our pleasant and knowledgeable team is ready to recommend you the medicine that works best for you. We are here to help you find the much-needed relief.
