Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic inflammatory conditions of the GI tract, primarily Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The gut ECS plays a key role in intestinal homeostasis.
In Depth
The gut is richly innervated by the ECS — CB1 receptors on enteric neurons and CB2 receptors on immune cells regulate intestinal motility, secretion, and inflammation. Cannabis is widely used by IBD patients for symptom relief. Clinical trials show cannabis reduces IBD symptoms and improves quality of life, but evidence for mucosal healing (the primary treatment goal) is lacking. CBG has shown anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical IBD models.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.