The Perceived Effectiveness of Cannabidiol on Adult Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

ObjectivesTo analyze the perceived effectiveness of cannabidiol in women over 18 years old with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey. The population included women diagnosed with either Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, who were not currently pregnant or nursing. The main outcome measures were descriptive characteristics, Harvey Bradshaw Index (disease severity), Partial Mayo Score (disease severity), Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (quality of life), Prime Screen Short Food Frequency Questionnaire, Bristol Stool Scale, CBD use, administration and dosage, reasons for not using CBD, and the effect of legalization on medical use of CBD. Pearson and Spearman’s correlations and Chi Square analyses were performed using SPSS Version 24.0. ResultsSeventy one patients, twenty five of which are current CBD users and forty six of which are past/never users, completed the study. Correlations showed no association between CBD use and disease severity, quality of life (QOL), food intake, or fecal consistency. However, disease severity and quality of life were inversely correlated (past/never users: p = 0.000, r = –0.544; current users: p = 0.042, r = –0.427) and CBD users reported decreases in IBD-related pain and nausea (76% and 64% respectively), and improvement in appetite (60%). ConclusionsThere is no significant relationship between disease severity, QOL, and food intake with CBD use. Results showed that, overall, disease severity and QOL are inversely associated. Although no significant clinical associations were found, this study indicates the need for future research of CBD use on IBD-related symptoms as medical utilization grows in popularity. Funding SourcesSimmons University.