Relief in Gastrointestinal Symptoms with Medical Marijuana Over 1 Year

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Subjective improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms was assessed among patients using medical marijuana (MMJ). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Participants completed surveys at 0 days, 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months with questions about the severity of their GI symptoms on a scale from 1 (mild) to 3 (severe). <b><i>Results:</i></b> In each survey, participants reported a significant decrease in GI symptom severity when using MMJ versus when not using MMJ (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). The most common self-reported side effects from using MMJ were increased appetite (12–21.4%), fatigue (6–16.7%), anxiety (4–11.9%), cough (4–11.9%), headache (6–7.9%), and dry mouth (4–7.1%). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In patients with chronic GI symptoms, MMJ may provide persistent symptom severity improvement. Limited product availability and mild to moderate side effects are factors to consider before trialing MMJ.