Cannabis is associated with clinical but not endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis: A randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246871
• Publication Date: 2021-02-12T18:14:00Z
• Authors: Timna Naftali; Lihi Bar-Lev Schl...; Fabiana Scklerovs...; Fred Meir Konikoff; Shelly Tartakover...; Yehuda Ringel
• Keywords: Cannabis Dependence

Background Cannabis is often used by patients with ulcerative colitis, but controlled studies are few. We aimed to assess the effect of cannabis in improving clinical and inflammatory outcomes colitis patients. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, received either cigarettes containing 0.5 g dried flowers with80mgTetrahydrocannabinol (THC)or placebo for 8 weeks. Parameters disease including Lichtiger activity index, C reactive protein (CRP), calprotectin, Mayo endoscopic score quality life (QOL) were assessed before, during after treatment. Results The study included 32 Mean age was 30 years, 14 (43%) females. index improved group from 10.9 (IQR 9–14) to5 1–7), (p<0.000), 11 9–13) 7–10)(p = 0.15, p between groups 0.001). QOL 77±4 98±20 (p 0.000) not (78±3 at week 0 78±17 8;p 0.459; 0.007). changed 2.13±1 1.25±2 0.015) 2.15±1to 1.69±1 0.367, 0.17). Conclusion Short term treatment THC rich induced remission mild moderately active colitis. However, these beneficial effects associated significant anti-inflammatory improvement or laboratory markers inflammation.(clinicaltrials.gov NCT01040910).