Crohn Disease
Study register · detail Cochrane Systematic Review · Crohn Disease · 2018

Cannabis for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Unclear GRADE Moderate 55 citations
Samplek = 3 Studien
n = 93 Pat.
Durationunclear
ControlPlacebo
EndpointRemission rate
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignCochrane Systematic Review
Key finding

The effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on Crohn's disease are uncertain; the evidence is very low to low and no robust conclusions can be drawn.

Summary

Cochrane review (k=3 RCTs, n=93) on cannabis/cannabis oil in active Crohn's disease. THC cigarettes: clinical response 91% vs. 40% (RR 2,27; 95% CI 1,04–4,97); remission rate 45% vs. 10% (RR 4,55; 95% CI 0,63–32,56; very low evidence quality). CBD oil (15%+4% THC): CDAI score after 8 weeks 118,6 vs. 212,6 (MD −94,00; 95% CI −148,86 to −39,14; low evidence quality); quality of life (SF-36) 96,3 vs. 79,9 (MD 16,40; 95% CI 5,72–27,08). Conclusion: effects uncertain, no robust conclusions possible; larger RCTs required.

P
PopulationAdults with active Crohn's disease, pooled n=93
I
InterventionCannabis/cannabinoids (cannabis cigarettes 115 mg THC, 5% CBD oil, cannabis oil 15% CBD+4% THC)
C
ControlPlacebo
O
OutcomeRemission rates and clinical response heterogeneous and statistically uncertain; cannabis oil (15% CBD+4% THC) showed significant CDAI reduction (MD −94,00; 95% CI −148,86 to −39,14) and improvement in quality of life (MD 16,40; 95% CI 5,72–27,08); very low to low evidence quality
Confidence in the evidence
Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Downgraded for
Imprecision
Quality profile
Sample size
Blinding Double-blind
Effect size
Citations / year
Authors
Kafil TS, Nguyen TM, MacDonald JK, Chande N
DOI 10.1002/14651858.cd012853.pub2
Design: Cochrane Systematic Review
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Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated condition of transmural inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, associated with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life. The endocannabinoid system provides a potential therapeutic target for cannabis and cannabinoids and animal models have shown benefit in decreasing inflammation. However, there is also evidence to suggest transient adverse events such as weakness, dizziness and diarrhea, and an increased risk of surgery in people with CD who use cannabis. The objectives were to assess the efficacy and safety of cannabis and cannabinoids for induction and maintenance of remission in people with CD. Three studies (93 participants) that assessed cannabis in people with active CD met the inclusion criteria. One small study (N=21) compared cannabis cigarettes (115 mg THC) to placebo: 45% (5/11) vs. 10% (1/10) achieved remission (RR 4.55, 95% CI 0.63–32.56); clinical response 91% vs. 40% (RR 2.27, 95% CI 1.04–4.97); very low certainty evidence. One small study (N=22) compared 5% CBD oil to placebo: remission 40% vs. 33% (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.36–3.97); very low certainty evidence. One study (N=50) compared cannabis oil (15% CBD+4% THC) to placebo: CDAI 118.6 vs. 212.6 (MD −94.00, 95% CI −148.86 to −39.14); quality of life (SF-36) 96.3 vs. 79.9 (MD 16.40, 95% CI 5.72–27.08); low certainty evidence. Conclusion: The effects of cannabis and cannabis oil on Crohn's disease are uncertain; no firm conclusions can be drawn.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius