Managing Colitis with Medical Cannabis
Colitis is a chronic gastroenterological condition which is characterised by the inflammation of the colon and the rectum. It can often lead to the development of ulcers on the colon’s lining which can bleed and produce pus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Colitis will vary in severity and regularity from case to case. The main symptoms include:
- Recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus, or pus
- Tummy pain
- The need to empty your bowels frequently
- Fatigue
- Loss of weight and appetite
Periods of remission, where symptoms may be very mild or non-existent, may occur for periods of weeks or even months. They are often followed by flare-ups or periods where the symptoms are particularly severe.Flare-ups can involve:
- Arthritis
- Mouth ulcers
- Areas of painful, red and swollen skin
- Irritated and red eyes
Cause and treatment
Colitis is believed to be an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The most common theory behind the condition is that the immune system mistakes bacteria inside the colon as at heart and attacks the tissues of the colon, causing it to become inflamed.
Most experts believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors cause the immune system to behave in this way.
Most treatments for colitis are focused on symptom management, to relieve symptoms during a flare-up or to prevent them from returning. In most people, this is achieved with a combination of medicines:
- Aminosalicylates, or medicines that help to reduce inflammation
- Corticosteroids, a more powerful type of medicine used to reduce inflammation
- Immunosuppressants
In severe cases, where medications fail to control symptoms, surgery to remove the colon may be considered.
Medical Cannabis and Colitis
Medical cannabis products can be potentially useful in managing a number of the symptoms associated with Colitis. For example, a 2016 study of the therapeutic use of cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) found that patients experienced relief pain and nausea as well as an improvement in appetite and their overall mood. Colitis is a form of IBD which may also be improved by medical cannabis treatment.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help manage symptoms of colitis?
Yes. Medical cannabis may help reduce inflammation,abdominal pain, and bowel urgency associated with colitis, particularly inpatients who have not responded well to conventional treatments. At CantourageClinic, we offer personalised cannabis-based therapies aimed at improving guthealth and daily quality of life.
Is medical cannabis legally available for colitis treatment in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, specialist doctors can prescribemedical cannabis for inflammatory bowel conditions like colitis when standardmedications have failed or caused significant side effects. Cantourage Clinicprovides regulated, compliant access through professional clinical care.
What types of colitis symptoms can cannabis-based medicines help with?
Cannabis-based treatments may help with abdominalcramps, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. Ourclinicians typically recommend CBD-dominant or balanced THC:CBD productstailored to reduce inflammation and soothe gastrointestinal distress.
How do I begin medical cannabis treatment for colitis at Cantourage Clinic?
Start by booking a consultation with one of ourgastroenterology specialists. We’ll assess your diagnosis, symptom history, andtreatment background. If medical cannabis is appropriate, we’ll develop apersonalised treatment plan and offer full clinical support throughout yourcare.