Daily Dose Q&A

2026-03-11

Other than abdominal pain and nausea, what IBD symptoms seem to be relieved by the use of medical cannabis?

According to numerous clinical trials, some survey studies and multiple observational studies, IBD patients find symptomatic improvement of abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, poor appetite, and fatigue when using cannabinoid therapy.

Greywoode R, Cunningham C, Hollins M, Aroniadis O. Medical Cannabis Use Patterns and Adverse Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022 Oct 14.

2026-03-10

Some CBD manufacturers use solvents to extract the CBD and other plant components. The presence or absence of which solvents are often reported on a certificate of analysis of a CBD product?

Some of the solvents typically reported on a CoA of CBD products include acetone, benzene, butane, chloroform, cyclohexane, ethanol, heptane, hexane, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, pentane, propane, toluene, and xylenes.

Certificates of Analysis of various CBD products.

2026-03-09

To ensure that one is consuming a safe CBD product, it is important to view the Certificate of Analysis (CoA). What microbials, mycotoxins and heavy metals are typically reported on a CoA of CBD products?

A certificate of analysis (CoA) of a CBD product should indicate the presence or absence of E. coli, Salmonella, and various molds. A CoA report should also indicate the presence or absence of Aflatoxin species, as well as Ochratoxin. The heavy metals reported on a CoA of a CBD product often include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury.

Illinois Administrative Code. (n.d.). Title 8: Administrative Hearings, Part 1300 — Cannabis, Section 1300.700 Laboratory Testing (Il. Admin. Code tit. 008 § 1300.700). Retrieved [date you accessed], from https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/008/008013000H07000R.html

2026-03-06

Does medical cannabis (MC) use appear to have an impact on the quality of life for IBD patients?

Yes. In a survey study involving 236 IBD patients, "the percentage of all patient-reported symptoms having a moderate-to-major impact on daily life was significantly lower after versus before MC use. For instance, the percentage of respondents reporting a moderate-to-major impact on their life from abdominal pain and nausea was: 85.6% versus 31.8% and 53.8% versus 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.01)."

Greywoode R, Cunningham C, Hollins M, Aroniadis O. Medical Cannabis Use Patterns and Adverse Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022 Oct 14.

2026-03-05

How do THC and CBD influence pain perception in IBD?

It is thought that CBD "modulates pain by mediating intestinal inflammation, whereas THC is believed to ameliorate pain through its psychotropic properties." A note of caution: "because of its analgesic effects, medical cannabis may mask ongoing inflammation and result in a false, perceived sense of improvement ultimately leading patients to discontinue or decrease the doses of their IBD medications."

Greywoode R, Cunningham C, Hollins M, Aroniadis O. Medical Cannabis Use Patterns and Adverse Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022 Oct 14.