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People globally are estimated to have IBS at any one time. Guts UK
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 common but disruptive gut condition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive conditions. It is a “functional” disorder, which means the gut looks normal but does not work as it should, with the bowel often more sensitive than usual.
Symptoms vary from person to person and tend to come and go. They commonly include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habit such as diarrhoea, constipation or both. Stress and certain foods can make symptoms worse.
IBS does not damage the bowel or lead to more serious disease, but it can significantly affect quality of life. Diagnosis usually involves ruling out other conditions, so a careful assessment matters.
Recognising the impact
Common irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) symptoms
IBS symptoms differ between people and can change over time. Common features include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and wind
- Diarrhoea, constipation or both
- A frequent or urgent need for the toilet
- A feeling of not fully emptying the bowels
- Tiredness and disrupted sleep
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
IBS is usually managed with diet, lifestyle and targeted medicines. Recognised options include:
- Dietary and lifestyle changes, including a specialist-guided low-FODMAP approach
- Antispasmodic medicines such as mebeverine hydrochloride
- Antidiarrhoeal medicines such as loperamide
- Laxatives such as macrogol (polyethylene glycol) for constipation
- Linaclotide for constipation-predominant IBS in some cases
- Support for stress and low mood where they affect symptoms
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) 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 IBS symptoms?
Standard IBS care comes first. Evidence in IBS is still developing compared with some other conditions, so a specialist may only review whether medical cannabis could help with specific symptoms such as pain, sleep or appetite.
Where IBS symptoms persist after conventional routes have been tried, a GMC-registered specialist can review your history and consider whether medical cannabis may help with pain, sleep or appetite as part of a wider plan.
Cannabis-based medicines act on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which has a role in gut function, pain and the stress and anxiety that can worsen IBS. Some people explore this route when symptoms continue despite conventional care, with response varying from person to person.
At CannaRelief, a GMC-registered specialist reviews your diagnosis, previous treatments and current medicines before deciding whether a trial of treatment is appropriate, and monitors how you respond.
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 (symptom relief)
Evidence for cannabis-based medicines in IBS is still developing. Recognised dietary, lifestyle and medicine-based IBS care remains the foundation of treatment.
- Diet, lifestyle and recognised IBS medicines are used first.
- IBS-specific evidence is still developing compared with some other conditions.
- Any role relates to specific symptoms such as pain or sleep, after standard care.
Related support
Explore related irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) 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
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for IBS 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.
Is medical cannabis a first-line treatment for IBS?
No. Diet and lifestyle changes and recognised medicines are tried first. A specialist may only consider medical cannabis where conventional options have not provided enough relief, and after a full assessment.
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 informed where you would like us to.
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, 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.