CBD for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): What Patients Are Saying and What Science Is Exploring

Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) isn't easy. For the millions of people worldwide diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, everyday life can mean managing abdominal pain, fatigue, stress, and unpredictable flare-ups. Conventional treatments exist, but many patients continue to search for ways to ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

One option that has gained increasing attention is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, the compound in the cannabis plant that causes a “high”, CBD is not intoxicating. It’s already a popular supplement for stress, sleep, and pain management - but how does it fit into the picture for gut health?

A recent scientific study explored exactly that, asking patients with IBD how they use CBD and what effects they’ve noticed. The results we'll explore in this article provide an important glimpse into why so many people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are turning to CBD as a natural support option.

Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Why IBD Relief Matters So Much

IBD is an umbrella term for chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, mainly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions can flare up unpredictably, bringing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, cramping, and fatigue.

Beyond the physical symptoms, IBD also impacts mental health. Anxiety about flare-ups, dietary restrictions, and the strain of ongoing treatments can leave patients feeling drained, leading to even more severe flare-ups - entering a vicious cycle.

This mix of physical discomfort and emotional stress explains why many people explore additional, natural approaches like CBD. While it is not a cure, patients are interested in whether CBD can help ease day-to-day challenges and bring some balance back into their lives.

What the Study Found: Patients’ Views on taking CBD

The 2025 study surveyed more than 100 people with IBD, alongside a group of non-IBD participants, about their use of cannabis and CBD oil. Researchers wanted to understand how often people used these products, what motivated them, and what benefits they reported.

Here are some of the most interesting findings:

• High awareness and usage: Nearly all participants knew what CBD oil was, and about 40% of people with IBD had tried it.

• Symptom relief: More than half of IBD patients who used CBD reported relief from pain, stress, and anxiety. Many also noted benefits for nausea and low energy.

• Crohn’s vs ulcerative colitis: Relief was more commonly reported in Crohn’s disease patients than in those with ulcerative colitis.

• Quality of life improvements: 19% of patients said CBD helped them cut back on opioid medications and many reported it helped to manage appetite better.

The takeaway? Many people with IBD believe CBD makes a meaningful difference in how they feel, even if clinical trials are still catching up to these lived experiences.

Why the Effects of CBD Might Play a Role in Gut Health

To understand why patients might be experiencing these effects, it helps to look at the body’s own balancing system: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a network of receptors found throughout the body - including in the gut. Its job is to help maintain homeostasis, or balance, across processes such as mood, pain perception, appetite, and immune response.

CBD interacts with this system in subtle ways. Unlike THC, it doesn’t directly bind to cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it influences them indirectly and affects the enzymes and signalling molecules that keep the ECS running. Research suggests this could help regulate inflammation and support the intestinal barrier - two areas that are disrupted in IBD.

This means CBD has potential to support gut health not by “switching something on or off” but by nudging the body towards balance. While more studies are needed, it’s easy to see why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are curious about its possibilities.

How Patients Are Using CBD and Cannabis

The survey revealed that people with IBD are trying CBD in different ways, with CBD oils and tinctures being the most common. Some prefer CBD capsules, sprays, or even edibles.

For many, CBD use was occasional - taken during a flare-up or when stress and pain were at their worst. Others used it more regularly as part of their wellness routine. Reported motivations included:

• Pain relief during flare-ups

• Reducing stress and anxiety linked to their condition

• Easing abdominal discomfort

• Supporting appetite when it was low

Interestingly, some participants reported they hadn’t even intended to use CBD for stress or anxiety - yet they noticed a positive effect anyway. This reflects how interconnected gut health and mental wellbeing can be.

A Complementary Approach - Not a Replacement

One of the most important insights from the study is that patients viewed CBD as a complementary tool, not a replacement for prescribed treatments. Many continued with their regular medication but used CBD alongside it to help with daily challenges like pain, energy, and stress.

This perspective is key. While conventional medicine focuses on controlling inflammation and disease progression, CBD may provide gentle support for the everyday discomfort and emotional strain that come with IBD.

What Science Still Needs to Confirm about CBD for IBD Symptoms

Although patients’ experiences are valuable, science is still working to catch up. Clinical trials so far have shown mixed results: some suggest CBD can improve quality of life in Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, while others find little measurable impact on inflammation markers.

Researchers believe this gap may be due to differences in dosage, product quality, and the complexity of IBD itself. Future studies are expected to look more closely at how CBD interacts with the gut microbiome, immune system, and even gender-specific responses.

Until then, patient perspectives provide useful guidance - pointing researchers towards areas where CBD could offer meaningful support.

Things to Consider Before Trying CBD Oil

If you are living with IBD and curious about CBD, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Quality matters: Look for CBD products that are third-party tested, THC-free, and made from high-quality hemp.

• Individual responses vary: Not everyone experiences the same effects, and what works for one person may not for another.

• Start low, go slow: People often begin with a low dose and adjust gradually to find what works for them.

• Speak with your doctor: Especially if you are on prescribed medication, you should consult your healthcare provider before adding CBD to your routine.

The Future of CBD and IBD

The story of CBD and inflammatory bowel disease is still unfolding. On one hand, patients are already reporting less pain, reduced anxiety, and better energy when using CBD oil. On the other hand, researchers emphasise that large, long-term studies are needed before clear medical recommendations can be made.

What’s clear is that CBD is opening up new conversations about how we approach gut health. For many, it represents not just a supplement but a sense of empowerment - a natural tool they can turn to when daily symptoms feel overwhelming.

CBD for IBD: Conclusion

CBD for inflammatory bowel disease is an area of growing interest. While science is still building the evidence base, the voices of patients matter. From Crohn’s disease to ulcerative colitis, many people report feeling relief in areas that matter most: pain, stress, and quality of life.

As more research emerges, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of how CBD interacts with the gut and what role it can play in managing IBD. For now, the message is hopeful: CBD may offer natural support for those seeking balance in the face of a challenging condition.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Lala A, Rodriguez-Palacios A, Cominelli F, Basson AR. Inflammatory bowel disease patients believe cannabis and cannabidiol oil relieve symptoms. Acad Med (San Franc). 2025