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.
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