Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that affects how the gut functions. It can lead to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. The condition can vary from person to person, with symptoms often coming and going over time.
When traditional medications aren’t effective enough, or cause unwanted side effects, medical cannabis for IBS may be an option.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Please note: Cannabis-based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
Below we’ll be exploring IBS and medical cannabis in the UK.
What Is IBS?
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal condition, which means it affects how the gut works rather than causing visible structural damage to the digestive system. Although the bowel may appear normal on medical tests, its function can be disrupted, leading to symptoms such as discomfort and changes in bowel habits - as we mentioned above. This distinction helps explain why IBS is diagnosed based on the symptoms a person is experiencing, rather than structural findings.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil may refer to products containing cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are just two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis.
Although THC and CBD have many similar potential medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
To access cannabis oil that contains both CBD and THC legally, you’ll need to qualify for a medical cannabis prescription. This is prescribed by a specialist doctor, usually through a private licensed clinic like Alternaleaf.
To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription with private clinics like Alternaleaf, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition or associated symptoms.
The specialist doctor will conduct an assessment to determine whether you’re likely to qualify, and if you do, the clinic will monitor your progress.
There are a few cases and conditions where you can get a prescription through the NHS, but this is much rarer and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Medical cannabis is only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
How Cannabis May Affect IBS Symptoms
Medical cannabis works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, but also gut motility, pain signalling, and inflammatory responses.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body.
How Might Cannabinoids Interact With the Gut?
When it comes to medical cannabis and gut motility it’s possible to regulate digestion and ease inflammation in the gut. This is because medical cannabis can potentially interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the GI tract.
- Reduced inflammation in the gut: this study shows how THC has the potential to reduce gastric inflammation, which also helps reduce cramping and gut overactivity.
- CBD also has the potential to relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors.
THC and CBD can sometimes produce different effects when working together. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
Types of Cannabis Products Used for IBS
For patients exploring medical cannabis in relation to IBS, the products discussed may include CBD, THC, or a combination of both cannabinoids - remember what we said about the entourage effect. All products containing more than trace amounts of THC are prescription-only and must be used under the guidance of a specialist doctor.
But they don’t just come in the form of oils.
How CBD Products Are Discussed in Relation to IBS
Medical cannabis is available in many different forms, and effects and experiences can vary with each type. Your clinician will run through these forms, and work with you to decide what is best for you in terms of product type and dosage. They’ll be able to tailor treatment to your individual needs, and if you have any preference, or questions about the below, it’s best to speak to them. Some regulated medical cannabis forms are:
- Oils
- Flower (for vaporisation)
- Capsules
- Vape cartridges
These products are prescribed under specialist supervision and are regulated within the UK’s medical framework, ensuring they meet pharmaceutical standards. The choice of product depends on the specialist doctor’s assessment and the individual patient’s needs, with use guided by clinical judgement rather than standardised protocols.
Risks and Considerations
To use medical cannabis safely, it’s important to follow the advice of your clinician, and consume the dose they recommend you. We also always recommend you start low and go slow to reduce the risk of side effects.
Common side effects include:
- Dry mouth and dry eyes (feeling thirsty or eyes feeling irritated)
- Feeling sleepy or tired
- Dizziness (feeling lightheaded for a short time)
- Increased hunger
- Feeling happy or relaxed (euphoria)
- Coughing (if inhaled)
These side effects usually improve on their own over time, but if they don’t go away or bother you, speak to your clinician. We have more information on side effects on our FAQ page.
FAQs
Can IBS patients access medical cannabis in the UK?
Yes, some patients with IBS may be able to access medical cannabis in the UK. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis by a specialist doctor, usually only after other treatments have not been effective.
Is Cannabis Oil Prescribed for IBS in the UK?
Yes, some private clinics in the UK, like Alternaleaf, may prescribe cannabis oil, as well as other medical cannabis products, for IBS on a case-by-case basis. But this depends on a specialist doctor’s clinical judgement.
Summary
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.