Medical Marijuana for Crohn's Disease in Florida
Inflammatory bowel disease causing chronic digestive tract inflammation and pain.
Medically reviewed by Bruce Stratt, MD
Board-Certified Physician · OMMU Certified · Boca Raton, FL
Overview
Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, though it most commonly involves the colon and ileum. It causes ulcers in the intestinal lining, resulting in chronic diarrhea (sometimes with blood), severe abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and malnutrition. The disease follows unpredictable cycles of remission and flare-ups — sometimes going quiet for extended periods before returning with full force.
Crohn's is thought to be an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own healthy intestinal tissues. Common medical treatments mostly involve steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, which carry significant long-term side effects and cannot be used indefinitely without posing serious health risks. Newer biologic drugs offer more relief but can also have severe side effects. For many patients, conventional treatments provide only limited symptom control.
How Medical Cannabis May Help
The gastrointestinal tract contains a dense network of endocannabinoid receptors, making it highly responsive to cannabinoid therapy. Research results have been remarkable — a widely cited Israeli study found that nearly half of Crohn's patients achieved complete remission from their symptoms after eight weeks of cannabis therapy. Nearly all patients in the study experienced at least some improvement, with better appetites and improved sleep quality as notable secondary benefits. Medical cannabis reduces intestinal inflammation, decreases intestinal motility (reducing diarrhea frequency), stimulates appetite to combat malnutrition, and provides meaningful relief from abdominal pain and cramping. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may address underlying disease mechanisms while THC provides acute symptom relief. Importantly, cannabis achieves these benefits without the severe side effects associated with immunosuppressive medications.
Individual results vary. Consult with Dr. Stratt to understand how cannabis therapy may apply to your specific situation.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring a valid Florida ID and gastroenterology records confirming Crohn's Disease diagnosis, colonoscopy or imaging reports, and a list of current medications including biologics or immunosuppressants.
Get Certified for Crohn's Disease
Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Stratt. Same-day state registry submissions for qualifying patients.