Medical Cannabis for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)-Related Symptoms

When inflammation leads to ongoing and unpredictable symptoms

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions involve ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract and can present in different ways depending on the individual.

Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, and periods of flare-ups followed by more stable phases.

Over time, this can affect daily routines, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

If you are living with IBD, you will know how important it is that any treatment approach is carefully managed and tailored to your needs.

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When standard treatments have not been enough

Many patients with IBD are already under specialist care and have explored multiple treatment options.

Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications
Dietary and lifestyle adjustments
Specialist gastroenterology support

While these approaches are essential, 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 clinical pathways.

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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 Inflammatory Bowel 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 general wellbeing

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

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Explore related conditions

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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 disruption from flare-ups
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

Complete a short eligibility check through Holistic Health Hub
Your information is reviewed by pharmacy professionals
If appropriate, you are referred to a specialist clinic
A specialist doctor assesses your suitability
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 IBD, any additional option should always be considered alongside your existing treatment plan.

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 would like to explore whether this pathway may be appropriate as part of a wider clinical approach, you can complete a short eligibility check.

Holden’s Chemist Scawsby (Doncaster)

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

Check eligibility now, Scawsby (2 mins)

Sherwood Avenue Pharmacy (Newark)

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

Check eligibility now, Newark (2 mins)

Holden’s Chemist Bentley (Doncaster)

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

Check eligibility now, Doncaster (2 mins)

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