Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Medical Cannabis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a common gastroenterological condition that affects the digestive symptom. It is usually a lifelong condition that can have a significant impact on everyday life. IBSis often difficult to diagnose as there are no scans or other tests that prove its existence. It is thought to affect around 20% of people at some point in their lives.
What are the symptoms?
There are a number of symptoms associated with IBS, including:
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Tiredness and a lack of energy
Cause and treatment
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but there are a number of potential theories, including:
- Genetics
- Prior life experiences – such as infection or trauma of the gut
- Oversensitive nerves in the gut
There is no cure for IBS and treatment options are largely focused on symptom management. This can include lifestyle changes such as using fresh produce for cooking, avoiding lots of fatty, spicy, or processed foods, limiting caffeinated, alcoholic, or fizzy drinks.
There are also recommendations for the management of individual symptoms. If these management options are not helping, a person with IBS may be referred to a dietician or specialist for advice and recommendations for additional treatments.
Medical Cannabis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If the first-line treatment options are unable to effectively manage the symptoms of IBS, medical cannabis can be considered. The endocannabinoid system has been found to play a significant role in regulating the nerves that control the gut. Therefore, medical cannabis may be useful in improving symptoms associated IBS.
Our specialist clinicians 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 IBS?
Yes. Medical cannabis may help relieve common IBSsymptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and stress-relatedflare-ups. At Cantourage Clinic, we offer personalised cannabis-basedtreatments for patients who haven’t found relief through traditional therapiesor dietary changes.
Is medical cannabis legally prescribed for IBS in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, medical cannabis can legally beprescribed by a specialist doctor for IBS and other chronic gastrointestinalconditions when conventional treatments have failed. Cantourage Clinic ensuressafe, compliant access to cannabis-based medicine under expert clinical care.
What cannabis-based formulations are used for IBS treatment?
Our clinicians may recommend CBD-dominant orbalanced THC:CBD products, typically in oil or capsule form, to help regulatebowel function, reduce inflammation, and ease associated anxiety. Eachtreatment is tailored to the patient’s unique symptom pattern and sensitivity.
How can I begin medical cannabis treatment for IBS at Cantourage Clinic?
Start by booking aconsultation with one of our specialists. We’ll assess your symptom history,medical background, and previous treatments. If appropriate, we’ll create acustomised cannabis treatment plan and provide full clinical support throughoutyour care.