Can cannabis help ulcerative colitis?

Living with ulcerative colitis can be exhausting. Symptoms such as pain, fatigue and urgent bowel movements can make everyday life feel unpredictable and difficult to manage. While many people find relief with standard treatments, others continue to experience ongoing symptoms. This has led some patients to explore additional options, including medical cannabis.

In this guide, we explain what ulcerative colitis is, what causes it, how it is usually treated, and what current evidence says about whether medical cannabis may help with symptom management.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition that affects the digestive system. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large bowel (colon) and rectum.

Symptoms tend to come and go, with periods of remission followed by flare-ups. During a flare, people may experience ongoing diarrhoea, sometimes with blood or mucus, along with stomach pain, cramping and an urgent need to use the toilet. Fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite are also common.

Although ulcerative colitis cannot currently be cured, many people are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life with the right treatment.

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood. It is widely believed to involve a problem with the immune system.

In people with ulcerative colitis, the immune system appears to attack the lining of the bowel by mistake. This leads to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Genetics may play a role, as the condition can run in families. Environmental factors, such as infections, may also contribute.

Stress and diet do not cause ulcerative colitis, but they can trigger or worsen symptoms during a flare-up.

What's the difference between Crohn's and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of IBD, but they affect the digestive system in different ways.

Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and rectum and causes continuous inflammation along the bowel lining. Crohn's disease, on the other hand, can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Inflammation in Crohn's often appears in patches and can affect deeper layers of the bowel wall.

Because of these differences, diagnosis, treatment and long-term monitoring can vary between the two conditions.

How to treat ulcerative colitis

Treatment for ulcerative colitis focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups. The approach depends on how severe the condition is and how often symptoms occur.

Many people start with anti-inflammatory medicines such as mesalazine. Steroids may be used for short periods to control flare-ups, while immunosuppressant or biologic medicines are often prescribed for moderate to severe disease.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended if symptoms cannot be controlled or complications develop. Alongside medical treatment, lifestyle measures such as managing stress, adjusting diet and maintaining gentle physical activity can support overall wellbeing.

Can cannabis oil help ulcerative colitis?

Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. These interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, appetite, sleep and immune responses.

Research into medical cannabis and ulcerative colitis is still limited, but some studies suggest it may help relieve certain symptoms. Patients have reported improvements in pain, nausea, appetite and sleep quality. This may be particularly relevant for those whose symptoms persist despite conventional treatment.

However, current evidence does not show that cannabis reduces bowel inflammation or promotes healing of the colon. For this reason, it is not considered a treatment for the underlying disease, but rather a potential option for symptom management.

Cannabis oil may be prescribed in some cases because it allows more precise dosing and is easy to take. As with any medicine, side effects are possible and can include dry mouth, dizziness and changes in concentration.

How to get medical cannabis for ulcerative colitis?

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK, but it is only available on prescription from a specialist doctor. It is usually considered when other licensed treatments have not provided enough relief or have caused unwanted side effects.

To be eligible, you will need a confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and evidence that at least two standard treatments have been tried. A specialist assessment is required to decide whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your individual needs.

Clinics such as Medicann carry out a full medical review and, if suitable, create a personalised treatment plan with ongoing monitoring and support. You should not stop or change any prescribed medication without medical advice.

If you are living with ulcerative colitis and feel that current treatments are not fully meeting your needs, medical cannabis may be an option worth exploring. You can check your eligibility with Medicann through a simple assessment to find out whether medical cannabis could be suitable for you.

Get in touch to find out more.