ulcerative colitis

[humedi]

stressed, poor diet, had a curry, jan 2007 >> triggered what was later diagnosed as ulcerative colitis.

was put on anti biotics before i had been diagnosed, these made me worse (and i believe wiped out some of the good bacteria in the gut).
Went on the SCD diet but failed.
was given asacol after i was diagnosed, april 2007 - bad for me.
then went onto colozide - hair loss, ulcers, bad for me

my experiences have left me feeling bitter at the NHS. they offer that toxic shite and ignore the herb.

I informed my GP and specialist from the start that I used ganja to alleviate and manage this disease. I reaffirm this everytime i visit the clinic, and for my next visit am going to take a shit load of research into cannabis and it's effectiveness on IBDs. I know more than them on this subject, they are doctors what the fuck

what has happened to common sense

the fight goes on. but it is costing me a fortune and one day i will not be able to afford my medication. just can't believe it same problem world over. jus shockin

anyone relate to this?

anyone in britain check out and support Humedi - Home (http://www.humedi.org.uk)

[Storm Crow]

I lump the bowel diseases together - so these are on IBS and Crohn's and such. You might want to print up the link in my sig to give to your doctors as well as the TY link (New Year's post) I've provided. Happy reading- Granny:hippy:

Cannabis-based drugs could offer new hope for inflammatory bowel disease patients
Cannabis-based drugs could offer new hope for inflammatory bowel disease patients (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/28584.php)

Cannabis may soothe inflamed bowels
Cannabis may soothe inflamed bowels - Current medical events - Hemp and Medicine - Welcome to www.hemp-info.ch! The specialist for hemp (Cannabis) in Switzerland (http://www.chanvre-info.ch/info/en/Cannabis-may-soothe-inflamed.html)

In the Human Colon: Cannabinoids Promote Epithelial Wound Healing
Elsevier (http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/PIIS0016508505009297/abstract)

Crohn's Patients Report Symptomatic Relief From Cannabis
Crohn's Patients Report Symptomatic Relief From Cannabis: The Hempire - [cannabis, legalise] (http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/4650)

Cannabis Helps Ulcers And Crohn's Disease
Cannabis Helps Ulcers And Crohn's Disease: The Hempire - [cannabis, london] (http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/cannabis_helps_ulcers_and_crohns_disease)

Bowel Study Backs Cannabis Drugs
Bowel Study Backs Cannabis Drugs: The Hempire - [cannabis, london] (http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/bowel_study_backs_cannabis_drugs)

Cannabis use by patients with inflammatory bowel disease
ScienceDirect - The Journal of Pain : (919) : Cannabis use by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WKH-4NH15FJ-CK&_user=10&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2007&_alid=654077552&_rdoc=143&_fmt=summary&_orig=search&_cdi=6907&_st=13&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=1476&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=20cf4aea80fd25df12dcc522e0951943)

Endocannabinoids and the gastrointestinal tract: what are the key questions?
British Journal of Pharmacology - Abstract of article: Endocannabinoids and the gastrointestinal tract: what are the key questions? (http://www.nature.com/bjp/journal/v152/n5/abs/0707422a.html)

MARIJUANA AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) (anecdotal)
MARIHUANA AND IRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME by Christine (http://www.rxmarihuana.com/christine.htm)

Marijuana and Crohnâ??s Disease (anecdotal)
Crohn’s Disease by Marilyn Loskot (http://www.rxmarihuana.com/chrohns3.htm)

( Granny's Happy New Year's post - where you can find the studies listed above)
My "Happy New Year" Medical post - TreatingYourself.COM Online Community (http://www.treatingyourself.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25554)

[humedi]

everything i need! thanks

going to have some ganja mashed potato now

[humedi]

who else uses cannabis to heal their IBD? is it quite a common thing to do in that respect

i am glad there is a forum specifically for ganj and ailments. I was on that u. colitis forum on healingwell.com and told them about cannabis and how effective it was.
they booted me off for merely mentioning the that the plant helps. Now i wouldn't mind but the people administratin the forum are sufferin too, how blind can you get!!??

i have also found that yakult (a probiotic yogurt drink), manuka honey (with UMF of 10+ or higher) and fish oil help

[Storm Crow]

As those who will not see! :( It is SO sad, that a simple herbal remedy is available, but they refuse to acknowledge it! KEEP TRYING! Before they can delete your post, a few will see it and get the message!

In the 60s only a veryfew believed in medical cannabis- Now somewhere between 65 and 85% of the American public believe it should be medically legal. Education changes people! EDUCATE!


Granny:hippy:

[sky valley]

I know how you feel, I've had Crohns for the last 9 years. I have tried many times to explain my MJ use to my Doctors to help me with this disease. It usally falls on deaf ears but I try. I have tried all the drugs Asacol, steroids ect. I find that though diet, exercise and alternative meds that I have done more to pervent the spread of this, then all the Doctors and there precription medications. I can smoke a joint during an "attack" and have things calm down. I can't get that from any of the prec. med's I have. Stay strong, I am in your court for this one!:thumbsup:

[shabbacandyman]

Hey,

I've been contemplating using Cannabis to try and treat my Ulcerative Colitis and found this discussion through google...

Basically, I've had UC for the past 4 years now and the past few months its got really fucking bad. I'm not going back on steroids because theres no point - i dont suffer at all on them at high doses, but as soon as I stop taking them it just gets worse again. Plus, there terrible in the long-term anyway. I've been on every pill they can try (Azathropine at the minute - weekly blood tests) and I'm pretty sick of it.

Anyway, I was watching 'Entourage' of all things the other day and they mentioned using cannabis for chron's so I thought I'd have a google and there's a lot of stuff about it really helping people with colitis too.

Now, I've never touched cannbis, never even smoked, but I'm willing to try anything at the minute. How quickly did you see that it was working? How much did you smoke a day?

If it doesn't work for me fuck it I've tried everything else!

[Storm Crow]

I'm C.com's local "busy-body";), and I've got some advice for you.

About your trying cannabis for your UC....try it. The worst thing that could happen, is nothing! You'll be no worse off than before. Best thing that happens...it works. :thumbsup:

Remember to be careful, if you can, buy from a good friend. Joints can be hard to roll, so you may wish to buy a pipe- one with a tiny bowl is best. I can just barely get the tip of my pinkie finger into my favorite pipe. Glass pipes are the best, but my collection covers bone, wood and clay pipes, as well as glass.

The worst thing about cannabis (besides its illegality) is the toker's cough. Cannabis is hard on your lungs. If the cannabis quells your UC, consider buying a vaporizer. Much easier on the lungs! You get the effects, without the health problems. (run a search here on the term "vaporizer")

There are 2 basic types of cannabis, sativa and indica. Most cannabis today is a hybrid of the two. You want an indica or indica dominant strain. If you end up buying cannabis from a kid who doesn't know what strain he's selling, ask for a "couch-lock" strain, they are usually indicas and much better at controlling pain. Sativas are better for parties, creative work, or "day smoke". Some folks can get a panic attack from sativas. 'Dro or hydro refers to a method of growing, not a strain.

If you are fortunate enough to live in California, or other "enlightened" state, getting legal is easy-but there are whole threads on that, so I'm not going into it, except to say having a copy of your medical records makes it easier- just ask your doctor for them.

OK, that's about it. Welcome to the wonderful world of cannabis. Keep on reading and learning. I hope that cannabis works as well on your UC as it works on my migraines. - Granny:hippy:

[humedi]

i'm in england so don't have the luxury of choosin which strain I get, just know that it's skunk. I mean it always improves me, just some more than others. Like recently I got an oz of some african indica wish I knew more about it cos it helps so much > decreased the amount of times I go to about 3 a day which is great. also no pains, spasms, got appetite.. it's a nice body stone you know.

smoking spliff is how I medicate, the effect is instant and what can I say - it makes my symptoms go away and I'm not afraid that I'll soil myself in public. Pack your spliffs out with as much green and not a lot of bacci.

With food it is a different sort of effect. It will generally numb the body to the pain and cramps you get and lessens spasms so helps with transit.

My weed supply is precious so I don't often bake with it, just smoke it. It is an amazing herb for someone who has this it sucks to lose your health but this is the best way to get it back.

I honestly believe if I had the best stuff available to me all the time, it could take me into remission along with good diet, probiotics, fish oil etc.

[beginerbuddah]

humedi you should by a grinder that collects the dust in the bottom
i too enjoy baking with weed but cant aford too regualy
i grind my skunk in the grinder and the dust falls into the bottom the abcense of the dust isnt noticable
and i find that using the dust in the bottom i get a much better effect from the cakes.
im sorry if this makes no sense (i just finished off the last batch) :stoned:

[Storm Crow]

Darlin', you need a vaporizer! You can vape the pot-way easier on the lungs- and you can skip the addictive, carcinogenic, tobacco! Then you can use the left-overs in brownies! It takes a larger amount compared to just adding cannabis to brownies, but once or twice a month, I make "special" brownies. Yeah, you can get stoned twice off the same pot!:thumbsup:

My little Vapor Brothers was the best money I've spent in quite a while. Very little odor, uses less for the same level of high, easier on the lungs, and if you get interrupted, it will sit and wait for you to take the next puff without losing any THC! Believe me, IT IS WORTH IT! Get one!

Granny:hippy:

[humedi]

nice one sky valley - I am thinking of compiling testimonies from fellow ibd sufferers who can validate my claims to show them to the doctor. pretty funny we're on opposite ends of the world, got the same thing, found the same herb, and face the same fucking problems..

yea a crystal catcher is not a bad idea. there was so much THC on this indica i got in last time... i'll miss this batch definately works a treat for colitis lol

i am lookin at gettin a vape- was lookin at The Extreme Vapouriser seems an alright one. very nice you can bake with the left overs too

i do like ma spliffs tho

[beginerbuddah]

i do like ma spliffs tho

same you cant beat a nice skunky joint :jointsmile:

[humedi]

"Cannabis May Soothe Inflamed Bowels" (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn7766.html) (University of Bath and Bristol study - New Scientist)
'... There is quite a lot of anecdotal evidence that using cannabis seems to reduce the pain and frequency of Crohnâ??s disease and ulcerative colitis... Historically, it was smoked in India and China centuries ago for its gastrointestinal properties... â??The gut started to heal: the broken cells were repaired and brought back closer together to mend the tears,â?�... natural endogenous cannabinoids are released from endothelial cells when they are injured... a wound-healing reaction... slowing gut motility, therefore reducing the painful muscle contractions associated with diarrhoea... her team also discovered another cannabinoid receptor, CB2, in the guts of IBD sufferers, which was not present in healthy guts... may have a role in suppressing the overactive immune system and reducing inflammation by moping up excess cells'

"In the Human Colon: Cannabinoids Promote Epithelial Wound Healing"
(http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/PIIS0016508505009297/abstract)'... Cannabinoids enhanced epithelial wound closure either alone or in combination... colonic epithelium is responsive biochemically and functionally to cannabinoids... Increased epithelial CB2-receptor expression in human inflammatory bowel disease tissue implies an immunomodulatory role that may impact on mucosal immunity'

"Crohn's Patients Report Symptomatic Relief From Cannabis" (http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/4650)
'... Beneficial effects were reported for appetite, pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, activity, and depression. Patients also reported that cannabis use resulted in weight gain, fewer stools per day and fewer flare-ups of less severity... patients' use of cannabis was associated with a decrease in their use of other pharmaceutical medicines... cannabinoids may promote healing of the gastrointestinal membrane... activation of cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract protects the body from inflammation and modulates gastric secretions and intestinal motility'

"Endocannabinoids and the Gastrointestinal Tract: What Are The Key Questions?" (http://www.nature.com/bjp/journal/v152/n5/abs/0707422a.html) (British Journal of Pharmacology)
'... Cannabinoid (CB1) receptor activation acts neuronally, reducing GI motility, diarrhoea, pain, transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and emesis, and promoting eating... CB2 receptor activation acts mostly via immune cells to reduce inflammation'

"Cannabis and Crohnâ??s Disease" (http://www.rxmarihuana.com/chrohns3.htm) (anecdotal)
'... I began experimenting with the use of marihuana to ease the intestinal spasms. It worked better than the prescribed drugs... Using a regular supply of medicinal marihuana I was able to discontinue all of the prescriptions that had allowed me to just survive with the pain... When will the government realize the value of these natural herbs?'

"Cannabis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome" (http://www.rxmarihuana.com/christine.htm) (anecdotal)
'... I first tried using marijuana for my IBS about six months ago and found that a few puffs on a joint would give me immediate relief from both the urgent diarrhea and the nausea... Nothing else has been as effective, has as few side effects, works as quickly when I need it'

Cannabis and Ulcerative Colitis (http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/4599.html) (anecdotal) (scroll to where it is headed 'Mr. Marc Scott Emery,')
'... doctors tried every medicine known to man. Unfortunately, every one of them seemed to do more damage... When I smoked pot, I still felt everything that was going on in my intestines, but it didnâ??t hurt... Over the next few months, I ate only natural foods and stopped taking my prescriptions (which my doctors said I had to have, or I would be back in the hospital). And I smoked a lot of weed. I got better... Iâ??ve beaten an incurable disease'

"Cannabis and Gastrointestinal Disorders" (http://www.scribd.com/doc/294822/Medical-Marijuana-GI-brochure)
includes scientific explanations; cannabis vs current medication for IBD; patient testimonials

[humedi]

research reported 24 jun 2008 by Swiss scientists

source (http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2008/June/24060801.asp)

Anti-inflammatory compound from cannabis found in herbs.

A compound found in cannabis as well as in herbs such as basil and oregano could help to treat inflammatory bowel diseases and arthritis, Swiss scientists believe.
(E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is an aromatic sesquiterpene that has used for many years as a food additive because of its peppery flavour. The researchers now say that it interacts selectively with one of two cannabinoid receptors, CB2, blocking the chemical signals that lead to inflammation without triggering cannabis's mood-altering effects.

Many cannabinoids bind to the CB2 receptor, but few target it selectively. Most also interact with CB1, which is responsible for cannabis' psychoactive properties. CB1 is found in brain tissue, whereas CB2 is found only in cells elsewhere in the body.

The compound is the only product identified in nature that activates CB2 selectively. 'There are many compounds that have been designed synthetically that are CB2 selective, but they are made in the lab,' says Jürg Gertsch, who led the study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

According to Gretsch, BCP is potent enough to have an impact at normal dietary levels. Herbs such as basil and oregano contain large amounts of the compound, he says, suggesting that the Mediterranean diet may protect against Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases. 'If somebody eats a lot of herbs containing essential oils then it's possible they could get enough to reach a therapeutic dose,' Gertsch says.

The team screened a whole library of natural products for cannabinoid activity, which led finally to fractionation of Cannibis sativa essential oil and identification of (E)-beta-caryophyllene as the active component. They then tested the compound's anti-inflammatory effects on mice and found it to be surprisingly potent at low concentrations. It may also account for the anti-inflammatory properties of copaiba oil, an essential oil prescribed by doctors and healers in Brazil, which contains large quantities of the compound.

Birgit Kraft, who studies the therapeutic effects of marijuana at the Medical University of Vienna, says selective CB2 agonists are keenly sought after by clinicians, as they may be candidates for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as bowel disease.

[Storm Crow]

I just added that one to my master list! Good on you for posting it! - Granny:hippy:

[humedi]

have a look at this post i made to see if there are any new links to add to your list click (http://ulcerativecolitis.org.uk/colitisforum/viewtopic.php?t=390&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)
the hostility from other posters is puzzling

[Storm Crow]

They have been taught that "big pharma = good, alternate herbs/illegal drugs= bad. "If it ain't scientific, it ain't good- the guv'ment tells me so!" Keep plugging it! You will be reaching at least SOME of the readers!

I noted that the resistance came from one idiot guy. How about you tell him a little old granny-lady "double dog dares" him to read my whole post- just the titles, at least. If you don't think he is ready for C.com, it is also over at treating yourself .com - all one word- which is a nice, quiet, little Canadian MMJ site. Might be better if the dude didn't see that I just called him an idiot. ;)

http://www..com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23136

He is coming from a place of ignorance- he can't help that he has been seduced into believing the lies. Just be polite to him and educate him! We win the war on prohibition, one mind at a time! :thumbsup:

Granny:hippy:

[humedi]

source (http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/90469/?page=1&ses=22100a329e96bead46ede07f4cdebc7a)
Big Pharma Is in a Frenzy to Bring Cannabis-Based Medicines to Market

The US government's longstanding denial of medical marijuana research and use is an irrational and morally bankrupt public policy. On this point, few Americans disagree. As for the question of "why" federal officials maintain this inflexible and inhumane policy, well that's another story

One of the more popular theories seeking to explain the Feds' seemingly inexplicable ban on medical pot goes like this: Neither the US government nor the pharmaceutical industry will allow for the use of medical marijuana because they can't patent it or profit from it.

It's an appealing theory, yet I've found it to be neither accurate nor persuasive. Here's why.

First, let me state the obvious. Big Pharma is busily applying for -- and has already received -- multiple patents for the medical properties of pot. These include patents for synthetic pot derivatives (such as the oral THC pill Marinol), cannabinoid agonists (synthetic agents that bind to the brain's endocannabinoid receptors) like HU-210 and cannabis antagonists such as Rimonabant. This trend was most recently summarized in the NIH paper (pdf), "The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy," which concluded, "The growing interest in the underlying science has been matched by a growth in the number of cannabinoid drugs in pharmaceutical development from two in 1995 to 27 in 2004." In other words, at the same time the American Medical Association is proclaiming that pot has no medical value, Big Pharma is in a frenzy to bring dozens of new, cannabis-based medicines to market.

Not all of these medicines will be synthetic pills either. Most notably, GW Pharmaceutical's oral marijuana spray, Sativex, is a patented standardized dose of natural cannabis extracts. (The extracts, primarily THC and the non-psychoactive, anxiolytic compound CBD, are taken directly from marijuana plants grown at an undisclosed, company warehouse.)

Does Big Pharma's sudden and growing interest in the research and development of pot-based medicines mean that the industry is proactively supporting marijuana prohibition? Not if they know what's good for them. Let me explain.

First, any and all cannabis-based medicines must be granted approval from federal regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration -- a process that remains as much based on politics as it is on scientific merit. Chances are that a government that is unreasonably hostile toward the marijuana plant will also be unreasonably hostile toward sanctioning cannabis-based pharmaceuticals.

A recent example of this may be found in the Medicine and Health Products Regulatory Agency's recent denial of Sativex as a prescription drug in the United Kingdom. (Sativex's parent company, GW Pharmaceuticals, is based in London.) In recent years, British politicians have taken an atypically hard-line against the recreational use of marijuana -- culminating in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's declaration that today's pot is now of "lethal quality." (Shortly thereafter, Parliament elected to stiffen criminal penalties on the possession of the drug from a verbal warning to up to five years in jail.) In such an environment is it any wonder that British regulators have steadfastly refused to legalize a pot-based medicine, even one with an impeccable safety record like Sativex? Conversely, Canadian health regulators -- who take a much more liberal view toward the use of natural cannabis and oversee its distribution to authorized patients -- recently approved Sativex as a prescription drug.

Of course, gaining regulatory approval is only half the battle. The real hurdle for Big Pharma is finding customers for its product. Here again, a culture that is familiar with and educated to the use therapeutic cannabis is likely going to be far more open to the use of pot-based medicines than a population still stuck in the grip of "Reefer Madness."

Will those patients who already have first-hand experience with the use of medical pot switch to a cannabis-based pharmaceutical if one becomes legally available? Maybe not, but these individuals comprise only a fraction of the US population. Certainly many others will -- including many older patients who would never the desire to try or the access to obtain natural cannabis. Bottom line: regardless of whether pot is legal or not, cannabis-based pharmaceuticals will no doubt have a broad appeal.

But wouldn't the legal availability of pot encourage patients to use fewer pharmaceuticals overall? Perhaps, though likely not to any degree that adversely impacts Big Pharma's bottom line. Certainly most individuals in the Netherlands, Canada, and in California -- three regions where medical pot is both legal and easily accessible on the open market -- use prescription drugs, not cannabis for their ailments. Further, despite the availability of numerous legal healing herbs and traditional medicines such as Echinacea, Witch Hazel, and Eastern hemlock most Americans continue to turn to pharmaceutical preparations as their remedies of choice.

Should the advent of legal, alternative pot-based medicines ever warrant or justify the criminalization of patients who find superior relief from natural cannabis? Certainly not. But, as the private sector continues to move forward with research into the safety and efficacy of marijuana-based pharmaceuticals, it will become harder and harder for the government and law enforcement to maintain their absurd and illogical policy of total pot prohibition.

Of course, were it not for advocates having worked for four decades to legalize medical cannabis, it's unlikely that anyone -- most especially the pharmaceutical industry -- would be turning their attention toward the development and marketing of cannabis-based therapeutics. That said, I won't be holding my breath waiting for any royalty checks.

Oh yeah, and as for those who claim that the US government can't patent medical pot, check out the assignee for US Patent #6630507.

[Kandii]

Hi! Have been looking on the www to find info. Im 40 (you wouldnt know ;o) female and from UK. I have had UC (colitis) 18 odd years am a tad fed up with it. Huge flare 16 years ago, then another a year later, this was when I had my children. Settled ok since until 2 years ago, made the mistake of holiday in Tunisia, its outside Europe so coli different....since then been on and off steriods, take azacol all the time, tried azathioprine (yuk) Anyways, getting very sick of looking for answers, so thought I may try a bit of this! Have access to vaporiser. What sort of amount should i be thinking about using how many times a week?? I had some on Saturday but was wiped all Sunday as had too much, even tho it was fun! Do work, so need to be practical! Lol. Dont smoke and never have and dont want to. Wouldnt mind cooking with it, dont really care as long as it works. How long is it til you notice any change? Thanks for listening and hopefully I'll get some answers! Kandii 'Im a Newbie' :cool:

[humedi]

Hi! Have been looking on the www to find info. Im 40 (you wouldnt know ;o) female and from UK. I have had UC (colitis) 18 odd years am a tad fed up with it. Huge flare 16 years ago, then another a year later, this was when I had my children. Settled ok since until 2 years ago, made the mistake of holiday in Tunisia, its outside Europe so coli different....since then been on and off steriods, take azacol all the time, tried azathioprine (yuk) Anyways, getting very sick of looking for answers, so thought I may try a bit of this! Have access to vaporiser. What sort of amount should i be thinking about using how many times a week?? I had some on Saturday but was wiped all Sunday as had too much, even tho it was fun! Do work, so need to be practical! Lol. Dont smoke and never have and dont want to. Wouldnt mind cooking with it, dont really care as long as it works. How long is it til you notice any change? Thanks for listening and hopefully I'll get some answers! Kandii 'Im a Newbie' :cool:

right then. I medicate using cannabis only, am 20 from leeds. i was on asacol like you are, taking 6 tablets a day. i stopped these though they made me worse, same goes for colozide. prospect of taking any of these NHS meds now scares me so simply not an option anymore, not when i know weed works.
when i smoke this is what happens: INSTANT relief, pain and cramping disappear, slows gut transit so fewer stools (rarely find myself needing loo after smoking a spliff) and better formation. ideally i could roll big fat spliffs with strong indica strains all the time as i am sure this would be better, unfortunately i have to ration what i smoke and i don't know what strains/species i egt when i pick up. smoke half a spliff before food and half a spliff after is a good thing to go by.
I don't often bake with it as I cannot guarantee that the weed i get is free from pollution, smoking 'dirty' weed is less of a risk i think than eating it (though neither is desirable but this is the uk). if you know you have good clean stuff though i would bake with it > has a more subtle effect doesn't kick in straight away but definitely improves your colitis. In amsterdam i ate space cakes and had a great nights sleep, it does numb the pain as well and you'll experience fewer stools. in summary; probably provides longer lasting effect than smoking but is not as immediate and instant. put about 3.5 grams (an eighth) into about 12 buns, don't leave in oven longer than is necessary. before adding to mixture, melt pan of butter and sprinkle the weed in, leaving it on a low flame for 10 minutes as THC dissolves better in fatty solutions, then add to rest of mixure.
vaping is the way to go! i don't have one myself but it is the benefits of the herb without inhaling bacci or vegetable matter. had a go on a mates the other week- as effective as smoking i would say, but i'd had a biff as well so could not really distinguish.

Look up Sativex, we need more and more people in england to start asking about this. it is an oral cannabis spray you adminster under your tongue. i have tried getting it but the PCT are swines and won't let me have it, instead i must continue to street deal

[Kandii]

Haha thanks for that, I will take it on board. So it sounds like its an every day thing... Im a little scared! I have to remain coherant as I work, and run a home for my 2 kids! I tried just having a tiny bit from the vaporiser last night but it was late as I'd been out, so I didnt sleep well, vivid dreaming. But, this morning, only 2 trips to loo rather than 5-6.... and its was much more pleasant! I am thinking I'll do it when I dont have to work the next day, and see how it goes.Once I work out what I can have and be ok next day, I'll be sorted. Im really lucky at the moment, the only thing I suffer from is the frequency and urgency of loo trips, not pain, just uncomfortable quite a bit, especially at work cos I worry about it more there. At home Im more relaxed so not such a bother.
Currently coming off steriods and on 6 azacol a day.
The spray stuff sounds fab, Im not sure if I even dare mention it to my Dr tho! Then he'll know im considering this kind of thing. All a bit silly really, if it helps, we should have it! :)

[humedi]

Haha thanks for that, I will take it on board. So it sounds like its an every day thing... Im a little scared! I have to remain coherant as I work, and run a home for my 2 kids! I tried just having a tiny bit from the vaporiser last night but it was late as I'd been out, so I didnt sleep well, vivid dreaming. But, this morning, only 2 trips to loo rather than 5-6.... and its was much more pleasant! I am thinking I'll do it when I dont have to work the next day, and see how it goes.Once I work out what I can have and be ok next day, I'll be sorted. Im really lucky at the moment, the only thing I suffer from is the frequency and urgency of loo trips, not pain, just uncomfortable quite a bit, especially at work cos I worry about it more there. At home Im more relaxed so not such a bother.
Currently coming off steriods and on 6 azacol a day.
The spray stuff sounds fab, Im not sure if I even dare mention it to my Dr tho! Then he'll know im considering this kind of thing. All a bit silly really, if it helps, we should have it! :)

go in their with a bit of confidence and tell them how it is. people shouldn't be reluctant to confide in their doctor. They can't do anything, they are not going to call social services and have your kids taken away... you might even be suprised by their reaction, my GP fully supports me and concedes that the cannabis-situation at the minute 'stinks' (his words) and he said i should do what i have to (i.e. break these stupid laws). My doctors have known from the start, i even made them put it on my record down the hospital, i don't care who knows. it is pretty much all i will talk about with them now.

It'd be brilliant to get sativex, it is already fully available in canada, and it is made by a British firm! if you read this article (http://www.counterpunch.org/gardner10232006.html) it says that 12% of all patients at the cannabis clinic in california medicate for intestinal conditions, and in those patients the doctor observes weight gain, comfort and less need for other meds.

i medicate as regualr as i can, and i am convinced it is the right decision not to be on any meds for the damage they can do in the long run. colozide made my hair fall out and gave me mouth ulcers, asacol made my colitis a lot worse, cannabis has saved me. sos for the rant! mention it to your specialist or gp, i bet they say you are not the first person to say so

[humedi]

oh yeah and if you eat it and don't notice anything, don't do the classic thing and eat a load more else you will be crashed out before long!

[Kandii]

Hmm maybe I shall mention it to my Dr at the hosp next time, he's a tad scary tho, thinks he knows it all, which ok he prob knows alot, but im bored of being guinea pig for which ever drugs they decide to give me to get the UC to stettle. No probs re rant, we all need one! I've got so fed up I've even posted a pic of my pred moon face today on a facebook colitis group! I've found them most helpful for info, and to be able to chat and read about ppl in same or worse situation is better than what I had before, about 14 years of keeping this to myself as 'embarrassing'. Now I've got to the point where its so obvious something is a bit wrong, Im not so bothered. My 14 yr old daughter is having trouble accepting im gonna be trying the vapouriser to help me, so funny as it should be me telling her she cant do that type of thing now shouldnt it!! Lol, my son uses a little so thats where im getting it from at the mo, but will have to sort myself out getting it if im gonna be using it alot.:)

[humedi]

Hmm maybe I shall mention it to my Dr at the hosp next time, he's a tad scary tho, thinks he knows it all, which ok he prob knows alot, but im bored of being guinea pig for which ever drugs they decide to give me to get the UC to stettle. No probs re rant, we all need one! I've got so fed up I've even posted a pic of my pred moon face today on a facebook colitis group! I've found them most helpful for info, and to be able to chat and read about ppl in same or worse situation is better than what I had before, about 14 years of keeping this to myself as 'embarrassing'. Now I've got to the point where its so obvious something is a bit wrong, Im not so bothered. My 14 yr old daughter is having trouble accepting im gonna be trying the vapouriser to help me, so funny as it should be me telling her she cant do that type of thing now shouldnt it!! Lol, my son uses a little so thats where im getting it from at the mo, but will have to sort myself out getting it if im gonna be using it alot.:)

'specialist' is a bit of a con, in my experience they do not research hard enough to be a true specialist. you'd think with their chosen subject they would commit day and night reading up all different possible solutions- but they don't, they read from one book all their life like it is drilled into them. Mine had never even heard of the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), nor had he heard of sativex - a potentially revolutionary drug and he had no clue it was available in the UK. what a joke. they don't care do they, that is all i'm left to think. they'll give you shitty toxic drugs and send you away, problem gone for them and they think they are doing a good job... and to deny that diet doesn't have a role in colitis...!!??

honestly, at the moment the issues around cannabis are more stressful and problematic for me than my colitis is. if i were in canada, the US or amsterdam, i go to the local pharmacy and pick up whatever i wanted, totally different quality of treatment ove there. here are some sites you might find useful as you are in the uk...

UK420.com - The Cannabis Community (http://www.uk420.com)
Humedi - Home (http://www.humedi.org.uk)
Ulcerative Colitis Forum :: Index (http://www.ulcerativecolitis.org.uk/colitisforum/index.php)

[Kandii]

Lovely I'll check them out after work later, thankyou!
I really cannot understand the whole diet doesnt make a difference attitude my Dr has too, of course it does! He said I didnt need to do 'any of these strange diets like SCD' but you get so desparate you'll consider these things! Mind you, I got as far as reading the food list, and really couldnt be arsed to cut all that out! Maybe Im just not ill enough! I've lived on bread only before now, just bread, toast, bread... lol nowadays I know from trial and error what I can and cant have. I'll ask my Dr about Sativex next time... but if this goes ok I wont have to see him til October! Fab :)

[humedi]

Lovely I'll check them out after work later, thankyou!
I really cannot understand the whole diet doesnt make a difference attitude my Dr has too, of course it does! He said I didnt need to do 'any of these strange diets like SCD' but you get so desparate you'll consider these things! Mind you, I got as far as reading the food list, and really couldnt be arsed to cut all that out! Maybe Im just not ill enough! I've lived on bread only before now, just bread, toast, bread... lol nowadays I know from trial and error what I can and cant have. I'll ask my Dr about Sativex next time... but if this goes ok I wont have to see him til October! Fab :)

cannabis medication is a long-established tradition which makes pharma drugs look nasty it'd be great if it works for another suffering with ibd, i am in contact more and more with people using cannabis in the england for colitis, if we could do it freely and have safe access it'd improve a lot of people's lives. change is not far off i don't think. if you look at what's happening in europe countries are relaxing medicinal cannabis laws- in the last few months switzerland, spain, austria and czechoslovakia have eased laws on medicinal cannabis users, and the Supreme Court in italy letting the rasta man smoke his weed for religous purposes.

this scientist believes diet is relevant...


Ulcerative Colitis Genes Identified (http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient&hl=en&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2einnovations%2dreport%2ede%2fh tml%2fberichte%2fbiowissenschaften%5fchemie%2fberi cht%2d110815%2ehtml)

Researchers at the University of Kiel have identified for the first time three genes that are associated specifically with the emergence of ulcerative colitis.

It is the same team of scientists who discovered the first-risk genes for Chrone's disease six years ago.

'... Overall, we can identify 31 genes which play a role in colitis... This means we have a beautiful piece forward... We are starting very slowly to better understand this disease... Today we know that it comes to the epithelial cells in the intestine and that diet has an effect also'. - molecular biologist Stefan Schreiber

[humedi]

source (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720222549.htm)


Why Cannabis Stems Inflammation

ScienceDaily (July 20, 2008) â?? Cannabis has long been accredited with anti-inflammatory properties. ETH Zurich researchers, however, have now discovered that it is not only the familiar psychoactive substances that are responsible for this; a compound we take in every day in vegetable nutriment also plays a significant role.

People not only rate cannabis sativa L. highly because of its intoxicating effects; it has also long been used as a medicinal plant. Although the plant has been scrutinized for years, surprising new aspects keep cropping up. For example, researchers from ETH Zurich and Bonn University examined a component in the plantâ??s essential oil that until then had largely been ignored and found it to have remarkable phar- macological effects. The findings open up interesting perspectives, especially for the prevention and treatment of inflammations.

Completely different molecule structure

The hemp plant contains over 450 different substances, only three of which are responsible for its intoxicating effect. They activate the two receptors in the body CB1 and CB2. Whilst the CB1 receptor in the central nervous system influences perception, the CB2 receptor in the tissue plays a crucial role in inhibiting inflammation. If the receptor is activated, the cell releases fewer pro-inflammatory signal substances, or cytokines. The scientists have now discovered that the substance beta-carophyllene, which composes between 12 and 35 percent of the cannabis plantâ??s essential oil, activates the CB2 receptor selectively.

Unlike the three psychoactive substances, however, beta-carophyllene does not latch onto the CB1 receptor and consequently does not trigger the intoxicating effect. â??Due to the various effects of cannabis, we had suspected for quite some time that other substances could come into play besides the psychoactive onesâ?�, explains Jürg Gertsch from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at ETH Zurich. â??However, astonishingly we didnâ??t know what substances these were until now.â?�

Gertsch finds it remarkable that beta-carophyllene has a very different molecule structure to that of the classical cannabinoids. â??This is presumably why no one realized that the substance can also activate the CB2 receptor.â?� The scientists were not only able to prove that beta-carophyllene binds with the CB2 receptor in vitro but also in animal tests, where they treated mice that were suffering from an inflammatory swelling on their paws with orally administered doses of the substance. The swelling declined in up to 70 percent of the animals, even for deep doses. For mice lacking the gene for the CB2 receptor, however, the substance did not make an impact.

Common substance

The results are encouraging for the prevention or treatment of ailments in which the CB2 receptor plays a positive role. However, Gertsch explains that we are still very much in the early stages on that score. That said, the scientist can conceive that some day the compound will not only help heal certain forms of inflammation, but also be instrumental in treating chronic illnesses, such as liver cirrhosis, Morbus Crohn, osteoarthritis and arteriosclerosis. In all of these diseases, the CB2 receptor and the associated endocannabinoid system play a crucial role.

The beauty is that beta-carophyllene is not only found in cannabis but also often in plants as a whole and we consume the substance in our diet. The non-toxic compound, which incidentally has been used as a food additive for many years, can be found in spice plants like oregano, basil, cinnamon and black pepper. â??Whether we have found a new link between the vegetable diet and the prevention of so-called lifestyle diseases in our study remains to be seen in future studiesâ?�, adds Gertsch.

[Kandii]

you do find some interesting stuff!
I have been very well, been using the vapouriser every day, just a small amount, and its made a good difference. My daughter is upset about the whole thing, but I shall just keep doing it but out of sight! Been feeling really tired tho after, so trying to get dose and time of day right.

[male80205]

I had a constant colitis flare up that lasted about 8 years. I'd get a little relief for about a month when I was put on Prednisone (which was so bad for my body). I personally found that smoking caused problems and irritated the intestines worse.
After many years of research and years of taking 15 pills a day, I learned that colitis has been tied to serotonin, a molecule that controls your sleep,depression,memory and other neurological processes - This chemical is formed in the gastrointestinal tract.
After years of steroids and many other drugs, I went on a mild antidepressant and in a few weeks no more colitis. I haven't had one symptom for almost 2 years.
But....like I mentioned, when I had a flare up and smoked it seem to make things worse. Thats just me. But I'm pro MJ for all my other medical issues.:thumbsup:
serotonin: Definition and Much More from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/serotonin)

[humedi]

you do find some interesting stuff!
I have been very well, been using the vapouriser every day, just a small amount, and its made a good difference. My daughter is upset about the whole thing, but I shall just keep doing it but out of sight! Been feeling really tired tho after, so trying to get dose and time of day right.


just show all the science and how it helps, then show what long term effects of being on the meds nhs give you, and vapes were designed for medicianl use. great that it works, the weed in amsterdam is a totally different qulaity and it is amazing being over there as for colitis.. trust. can pick what works for ibds and everything (strong indicas...)

[humedi]

I am sorry to hear of your constituent's problems. Currently, Sativex (derived from cannabis plants) is not licensed in England for any indication. It was submitted to the MHRA in relation to neurological pain in Multiple Sclerosis but was withdrawn by the company as the phase III clinical study failed to reach statistical significance for pain relief.

Nevertheless, the MHRA issued a Public Information Report given the high public interest in this product. They concluded there were some concerns around safety , particularly psychiatric morbidity, and that a positive risk benefit had not been established.

Currently, although there are animal studies indicating that stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the gut may exert a protective function in ulcerative colitis, there are no reports of research in human beings published in peer review journals. However, a study does appear to be underway.

Thus, given the absence of evidence and together with the MHRA report indicating in at least one condition the product failed to live up to the 'hype', it is unlikely the PCT would support its use. However, we are always willing to consider an individual funding request , with appropriate supporting information, in this case from an expert in inflammatory bowel disease.

Yours sincerely,

Christine Outram
Chief Executive

relevant to people in the UK only really... this is a letter from my Primary Care Trust sent to my MP (who then forwarded it to me).

thought fellow UC cannabis medicaters might like to know and perhaps start your own proceedings... getting this spray is no easy task, but imagine when i do get it :)

[Kandii]

2 months on still taking a tiny bit in the vaporiser before bed.... and its all good! Still on maintenance meds for the UC, but have managed to come off the steroids so feeling very happy about that. Wish I could tell the world, as so happy its doing some good. Stupid rules eh.
:thumbsup:

[Storm Crow]

Tell your doctors! At the worst, make a copy of the Crohns/IBS section of my list (link below) and send it via the mail, anonymously! Most doctors know only the government propaganda about the "Devil weed"! Educate them!


Granny :hippy:

[humedi]

2 months on still taking a tiny bit in the vaporiser before bed.... and its all good! Still on maintenance meds for the UC, but have managed to come off the steroids so feeling very happy about that.

!!!!!!
good. I have decided to up and leave I am sick of this shit uk, moving to amsterdam in the next couple of weeks, for a year to see how I get on, hopefully into complete remission. I was there for four days earlier this summer, and on the fourth day, we had to check out of the hotel at 10 am, and I did not need to bathroom ONCE til I was back home in england at 11pm that night. That's after just four days.


Wish I could tell the world, as so happy its doing some good. Stupid rules eh.
:thumbsup:
then you should. even just messages on forums work (worked for you?...). I'm seeing my MP tomorrow, that's also something anyone can do.

in the meantime, look at these developments :
dutch supreme court decision recognises necessity as a defence (http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iDCD6d7YmBplb1doC-76xOsMkOEA)
and
sativex does well in clinical trials (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSL861415420080908)

[mary12]

Despite of so many benefits that we are getting from marijuana it is very unfortunate that marijuana is still not legalized.

[phatsesh101]

i have something ulcers or something of thjat nature they give meds which help but the releif comes from smokin purple strains seem to take effect quijer but one doesnt help fast but provides releif as long as i smoke daily i dont wake up sick which is usually when its the worst

[humedi]

this thread might be of interest- other people using cannabis for colitis in britain (http://www.uk420.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=145132&pid=1489675&st=0&#entry1489675)

[stinkyattic]

The trick that one Crohn's sufferer I know uses is to take an ounce of weed and cook it in a pressure-cooker into a half gallon or so of goat's milk (it is gentler and she is intolerant of casein). Every time she has a meal, she puts a good sized spoonful of this in her food or just drinks it so that the anti-inflammatory effect of the THC can soothe her system as she digests her meal. She has so far been able to keep weight on and avoid the horrible surgeries that have been forced on Crohn's sufferers as 'the only way'...

[Kandii]

I spoke to my hospital Dr, I asked what he thought of cannabis use for colitis. He wheeled himself as far away from me on his chair and said, there's no research, there's nothing to say it would do any good for colitis (Im sitting there knowing full well its had a big effect on my UC) He said my hospital is currently testing cannabis for MS, but thats it. I didnt tell him I was using it, as he was so negative.
I told him also I was watching what I eat, and trying to eat organic etc as I have read alot about all these chemicals they use on plants when they grow our food, and was trying to avoid that, as much as you can. He said that was rubbish, and his parting shot at the end of our meeting was him laughing at me and telling me to 'go grow your own organic cannabis' (which I am!! but I didnt tell him that) Im thinking I'll ask to change Dr, as he treats me like I have no brain! Yes he may have done all the studies re UC and Crohns, but he doesnt live with it does he?!