Can cannabis oil help IBS?

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn't just uncomfortable - it can change how you plan your day, where you feel confident going, and how you interact with the world. Studies show that roughly one in 20 people in the UK suffer with IBS at some point in their lives, which means around 3 million people are managing these symptoms right now. With numbers like that, it's clear there's a lot of life quality that could be improved.

If you've tried the usual treatments and are still struggling, you might be curious about whether medical cannabis oil could help. The honest answer is that research is still developing, but early findings are encouraging enough that more patients and doctors are taking notice.

In this guide, we explain what IBS is, what causes it, how it's typically treated, and whether cannabis oil might offer relief for symptoms that haven't responded to conventional approaches.

What is IBS?

Put simply, irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic illness that’s typically characterised by stomach pain or discomfort. It is also often linked to needing to use the toilet more or less regularly and accompanied by changes in bowel habits. Indeed, some people experience mainly diarrhoea, others mainly constipation, and some alternate between the two.

Those diagnosed with IBS might also notice bloating and cramping. On top of this, IBS sufferers may also notice specific foods that trigger flare ups. Overall, IBS symptoms can vary quite a bit from person to person, which is partly why IBS can be so frustrating to manage.

What causes IBS?

This is where things get complicated - and why finding effective treatment can feel like trial and error.

The exact cause of IBS isn't fully understood, but researchers believe it involves a combination of factors including how the gut and brain communicate, changes in gut bacteria, food sensitivities, stress, and low-grade inflammation.

What triggers symptoms in one person might not affect another at all. This mix of possible causes is one reason why standard treatments don't work equally well for everyone.

What's the treatment for IBS?

Following diagnosis, most people start with simple lifestyle changes. This can include everything from adjusting their diet and managing stress to trying to get more regular exercise and better manage their sleeping patterns. On top of this, GPs might also prescribe medicines like antispasmodics to reduce cramping, laxatives for constipation, or anti-diarrhoea medication to directly treat the individual’s most prominent symptoms.

For some people, these approaches make a real difference, and managing their IBS becomes easy. However, for others, the unmanageable symptoms can persist, or the side effects of medications become their own problem. When conventional treatments fall short, patients often look for alternatives - and that's where medical cannabis for irritable bowel syndrome enters the conversation.

Does cannabis help IBS?

The short answer is yes, it appears it can. However, more research needs to be done in order to be certain. Here’s what we already know:

Cannabis works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in controlling gut movement, reducing inflammation, and managing pain signals. The system has receptors throughout the digestive tract, which is why researchers think cannabis-based treatments can help alleviate IBS symptoms.

Research from 2021 published in Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics - examining how cannabinoids affect inflammation - was conducted by researchers at the Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology at King's College London. The study confirmed that properly formulated CBD demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects. Since inflammation can play a role in IBS symptoms, this adds to the evidence that cannabinoid-based treatments might offer relief.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in controlling gut motility, reducing visceral pain, and managing low-grade inflammation - all issues that can contribute to IBS. By supporting this system, cannabis oil may therefore help tackle multiple symptoms at once rather than targeting just one.

Some small studies have shown promising results. Research has looked at synthetic THC and its effects on bowel movement in people with diarrhoea-predominant IBS, with mixed results. CBD has also been investigated for its potential to reduce gut pain and ease anxiety, both common concerns for IBS patients.

How Medicann can help

If you're considering medical cannabis for IBS, Medicann makes the process straightforward and supportive.

You start with a simple online eligibility check to see if medical cannabis might be suitable for your situation. If you qualify, you'll have an online consultation with a GMC-registered specialist doctor who will review your medical history and discuss whether cannabis-based treatment could help.

If the doctor agrees that medical cannabis is appropriate, Medicann arranges a legal prescription for a licensed or unlicensed cannabis-based medicine. Your prescription is then supplied through approved medical channels, so you know everything is safe, legal, and properly regulated.

Medicann also provides ongoing support and follow-up care, helping you understand how to use your medicine effectively and making adjustments as needed. This specialist-led approach means you're not navigating this alone - you have expert guidance every step of the way.

So, whether you're new to medical cannabis or looking for a clinic that prioritises patient care, Medicann offers a professional, compassionate service that puts your needs first.

To find out more or check if you're eligible, get in touch with Medicann today.