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Relief in Gastrointestinal Symptoms with Medical Marijuana Over 1 Year

Authors

Matthew P. Wallingford, Erin L. Kelly, Allison Herens, Daniel Hanna, Emily Hajjar, and Brooke Worster


Published

April 16,  2024

Abstract

Introduction

Subjective improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was assessed among patients using medical marijuana (MMJ).

Methods

Participants completed surveys at 0 days, 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months with questions about the severity of their GI symptoms on a scale from 1 (mild) to 3 (severe).

Results

In each survey, participants reported a significant decrease in GI symptom severity when using MMJ versus when not using MMJ (p < 0.05). The most common self-reported side effects from using MMJ were increased appetite (12–21.4%), fatigue (6–16.7%), anxiety (4–11.9%), cough (4–11.9%), headache (6–7.9%), and dry mouth (4–7.1%).

Conclusion

In patients with chronic GI symptoms, MMJ may provide persistent symptom severity improvement. Limited product availability and mild to moderate side effects are factors to consider before trialing MMJ.

DOI: 10.1159/000538694

Citations

Wallingford, M. P., Kelly, E. L., Herens, A., Hanna, D., Hajjar, E., & Worster, B. (2024). Relief in Gastrointestinal Symptoms with Medical Marijuana Over 1 Year. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 7(1), 80.
Chicago