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A THC-rich cannabis trial in ulcerative colitis reported clinical and quality-of-life improvements, although endoscopic healing did not significantly improve. PLOS ONE
Quality-of-life scores improved in the cannabis group in the same ulcerative colitis study. PLOS ONE
People in the UK are living with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s & Colitis UK
People in the UK have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, according to Crohn’s & Colitis UK figures cited by the NHS. NHS
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
A relapsing inflammatory bowel disease
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the lining of the large bowel and rectum becomes inflamed, developing small ulcers that can bleed.
Like other forms of IBD, it tends to follow a relapsing-remitting pattern, with flare-ups of symptoms such as recurring diarrhoea, often with blood, abdominal pain and an urgent need to use the toilet, interspersed with calmer periods.
There is no cure, so care focuses on settling flares, maintaining remission and protecting quality of life. Ongoing specialist support is important.
Recognising the impact
Common ulcerative colitis symptoms
Symptoms depend on how much of the bowel is affected and how active the condition is:
- Recurring diarrhoea, often with blood
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- A frequent, urgent need to empty the bowels
- Fatigue and low energy
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Feeling generally unwell during flares
When to seek urgent advice A severe flare with frequent bloody diarrhoea, severe pain, a high temperature or feeling very unwell can need prompt medical attention. Contact NHS 111, your GP or emergency services as appropriate.
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
Ulcerative colitis is managed by specialists to reduce inflammation and maintain remission. Recognised options include:
- Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) medicines such as mesalazine
- Corticosteroids such as prednisolone for flare-ups
- Immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, ciclosporin or tacrolimus
- Newer medicines such as ozanimod or etrasimod in selected cases
- Biologic medicines where appropriate
- Surgery where needed for severe disease
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If ulcerative colitis symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
Can medical cannabis help with ulcerative colitis symptoms?
Medical cannabis does not control inflammation and is not a substitute for IBD medicines. Where symptoms continue to affect quality of life, a specialist may review symptom support alongside your gastroenterology care.
Where symptoms persist alongside the medicines that control inflammation and maintain remission, a GMC-registered specialist can review your history and consider whether medical cannabis may help with symptom burden as part of your wider care.
Some people explore cannabis-based medicines to help with persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, appetite or sleep, where standard options have not provided enough relief. Response varies from person to person, which is why specialist review matters.
At CannaRelief, a GMC-registered specialist reviews your diagnosis, current IBD treatment and medicines, and keeps your gastroenterology team informed so any treatment fits alongside your existing care.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence (symptoms and quality of life)
As with Crohn's, evidence points to possible symptom and quality-of-life improvement rather than control of inflammation, so recognised IBD treatment and monitoring continue.
- Aminosalicylates and other IBD medicines control inflammation first.
- Reported benefits relate to symptoms and quality of life, not inflammation cure.
- Regular monitoring continues alongside any assessment.
Related support
Explore related ulcerative colitis support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Ulcerative Colitis FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for ulcerative colitis in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, but only a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe it, and only when it is clinically appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee a prescription.
Can medical cannabis replace my ulcerative colitis medication?
No. Medical cannabis does not treat the underlying inflammation and is not a substitute for your prescribed IBD treatment. Where appropriate, it may be considered only to help manage certain persistent symptoms alongside your existing care.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP and gastroenterology team informed where you wish.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Will medical cannabis be prescribed if I am eligible?
Not necessarily. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical assessment by a specialist, and treatment is not suitable for everyone.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.