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Of cannabis-treated Crohn's patients reached complete remission in a placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
A THC-rich cannabis trial in ulcerative colitis reported quality-of-life improvement, while not significantly improving endoscopic healing. PLOS ONE
People in the UK are living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Crohn's & Colitis UK
People in the UK live with inflammatory bowel disease, far more than once estimated. Crohn's & Colitis 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.
Overview
When inflammatory bowel symptoms are hard to control
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is managed by specialists using medicines that reduce inflammation and maintain remission, with surgery in some cases. These treatments help many people, but symptoms such as pain, fatigue and poor appetite can remain difficult for some.
Medical cannabis does not treat the underlying inflammation and is never a substitute for IBD treatment. Where standard options have not provided enough symptom relief, a specialist may consider whether it could help with specific persistent symptoms as part of a wider plan.
Our GMC-registered specialists assess each person individually, review your current treatment and medicines, and keep your gastroenterology team informed so any care fits alongside the support you already receive.
Symptoms
Common digestive symptoms
Digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and IBS can affect the gut and daily life in overlapping ways. Common features include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Changes in bowel habit
- Urgency or diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence (symptoms and quality of life, not inflammation control)
For inflammatory bowel disease, evidence points to possible symptom and quality-of-life improvement rather than control of inflammation. IBD medicines and monitoring continue alongside any assessment.
- IBD medicines control inflammation; medical cannabis does not replace them.
- Reported benefits relate to symptoms, not mucosal healing.
- Direct evidence in IBS is more limited.
Conditions
Digestive conditions we can assess
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments and a specialist review. Listing a condition is not a promise that medical cannabis will be prescribed.
Crohn's Disease
Long-term inflammation of the digestive tract with flare-ups of pain, diarrhoea and fatigue.
Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammation and ulceration of the large bowel, with relapsing symptoms that affect daily life.
IBS
Abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habit, where symptoms persist despite standard treatment.
Why CannaRelief
What CannaRelief offers
Specialist-led, NICE-aligned assessment from the comfort of home, with your GP kept informed where you wish.
- GMC-registered specialists experienced in long-term conditions
- Online consultations, with no GP referral required
- NICE-aligned clinical standards and ongoing monitoring
- NHS shared-care ready — we work alongside your gastroenterology team
- Private, data-protected care built around your needs
- Seen 7 days a week, from the comfort of home
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Can medical cannabis replace my IBD treatment?
No. Medical cannabis does not treat the underlying inflammation and is not a substitute for 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. Passing the eligibility check means a specialist can assess you. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical consultation, 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.