Medical Cannabis for Crohn’s Disease-Related Symptoms

When symptoms are ongoing and difficult to manage consistently

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the digestive system in different ways.

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.

For many people, symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of relative stability followed by flare-ups.

Over time, this can have a significant impact on daily life, from comfort and energy levels to sleep and routine.

If you are living with Crohn’s disease, you will know how important it is that any treatment approach is carefully considered and appropriately monitored.

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When standard treatments have not been enough

Many patients with Crohn’s disease are already under specialist care and have explored multiple treatment options.

  • Prescription medications and anti-inflammatory treatments
  • Dietary adjustments
  • Specialist gastroenterology support

While these approaches are important, some patients continue to experience ongoing symptoms or flare-ups.

In some cases, side effects or incomplete symptom control may lead people to explore additional options.

This is when patients may begin considering whether other clinician-led pathways could be appropriate.

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Where medical cannabis may be discussed

Medical cannabis is a prescription-only treatment in the UK and may be considered by specialist clinicians in certain cases.

It is not used to treat Crohn’s disease itself.

However, it may be discussed as part of a broader approach to managing associated symptoms such as:

  • Chronic abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Sleep disruption linked to symptoms
  • Ongoing inflammation-related discomfort
  • Symptoms affecting appetite or overall wellbeing

Suitability is always assessed individually based on your medical history, current treatment plan, and previous therapies.

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Access through Holistic Health Hub

Through Holden’s Chemist and Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy, patients can access this pathway via the Holistic Health Hub service.

Holistic Health Hub manages the initial eligibility check and referral process.

If appropriate, you may be referred to a specialist clinic such as Curaleaf, where all consultations and prescribing decisions are carried out by qualified clinicians.

Any treatment plan is considered carefully alongside your existing care and specialist support.

Patients in Doncaster, Newark, and the Harworth / Worksop area can access this clinician-led pathway locally through Holden’s Chemist and Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy via the Holistic Health Hub service.

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What patients are often trying to improve

Most patients are not looking for something new for the sake of it.

They are looking to improve how symptoms affect daily life.

  • Better management of abdominal discomfort
  • Improved sleep and recovery
  • Reduced impact of flare-ups on routine
  • More consistent day-to-day comfort

For some patients, exploring a different clinical pathway may be worth considering.

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How the process works

  1. Complete a short eligibility check through Holistic Health Hub
  2. Your information is reviewed by pharmacy professionals
  3. If appropriate, you are referred to a specialist clinic
  4. A specialist doctor assesses your suitability
  5. Treatment options are discussed based on clinical judgement

No treatment is provided without appropriate clinical assessment.

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Before you go further

If you are currently managing Crohn’s disease, any additional approach should always be considered alongside your existing care.

The next step is not committing to treatment.

It is simply finding out whether this may be an appropriate option for you.

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Check your eligibility

If you are living with ongoing symptoms such as abdominal pain, flare-ups, or fatigue, and want to explore whether this pathway may be suitable, you can complete a short eligibility check.


Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy (Newark)

Start your assessment through our Newark location, with clinician-led review and local pharmacy support available throughout your treatment.

Start eligibility check – Newark (2 minutes)


Holden’s Chemist Bentley (Doncaster)

Begin your eligibility check through our Doncaster service, combining structured clinical assessment with accessible local pharmacy support.

Start eligibility check – Doncaster (2 minutes)

Important: Medical cannabis is a prescription-only treatment. It is only considered following clinical assessment and may not be suitable for every patient.

 

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