Ulcerative Colitis
Treating Ulcerative Colitis with Medical Marijuana
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
The Mayo Clinic describes Ulcerative Colitis as an “inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract.” The condition and symptoms thereof typically appear over time rather than suddenly. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis and the best treatments have been found to simply treat the symptoms of the condition.
Thankfully, ulcerative colitis has been deemed a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Florida. If you or a loved one believe alternative forms of treatment may help you, contact an experienced medical marijuana doctor today!
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis can include, but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea (with blood)
- Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain or cramping in abdomen
- Fever
- Constipation
- Loose stool
- Stunted growth in minors
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Proctitis
Inflammation generally located in the rectum. This is the most mild-form of the illness and the only sign of disease may be bleeding from the rectum.
Proctosigmoiditis
Inflammation of not only the rectum, but also the lower end of the colon. Diarrhea, blood in stool, abdominal cramps, and constipation are common symptoms.
Left-Sided Colitis
Inflammation throughout the rectum and the colon. Bloody stool, weight loss, cramping on the left-side, and diarrhea are all common symptoms of left-sided colitis.
Pancolitis
Inflammation of the entire colon. Symptoms often include frequent bloody diarrhea, cramps, pain, and even significant weight loss.
Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis
The most rare form of the condition, this form impacts the entire colon and can lead to severe pain. Symptoms also include constant diarrhea, bleeding, inability to eat, and even a fever.
Ulcerative Colitis and Medical Marijuana
The antiinflammatory properties of Cannabis and it’s active ingredients, such as CBD, may be tremendously beneficial in treating patients with ulcerative colitis. By reducing inflammation within the colon and rectum, medical marijuana may provide significant relief of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, medical marijuana has been known to boost appetite to help those with eating aversions due to the condition. Medical cannabis can also improve one’s mood, easing anxiety and depression associated with their illness.
Neuropathy is another condition caused by spinal stenosis. Fortunately, Neuropathy is also an approved condition for medical marijuana in Florida. Patients suffering from spinal stenosis in Florida have had great success treating their symptoms with medical marijuana.
Side Effects of Cannabis for Ulcerative Colitis
Side effects of marijuana use can include changes in:
- Sleep
- Fatigue
- Memory
- Appetite
- Mood
- Reaction Time
- Paranoia
Medical Marijuana Doctor Near Me
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in Florida and are interested in how medical marijuana may be able to help you, take our qualification survey and schedule an appointment today!
