Last updated: October 2026
No CBD oil has been shown to treat Crohn’s disease. In a trial of low-dose CBD on its own, it was safe but no better than placebo. A cannabis oil containing both CBD and THC eased symptoms, but didn’t reduce gut inflammation, and THC is prescription-only in the UK. Never replace your Crohn’s treatment with CBD.
Below: what each trial found, why there’s interest, UK law on medical cannabis, medicine interactions to know about, and how to talk to your IBD team if you’re considering CBD.
What the research shows
| Trial | What was tested | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Israel, 2017 | 20 people with active Crohn’s; 10mg CBD twice a day vs placebo for 8 weeks | Safe, with no side effects, but no difference in disease activity |
| Israel, 2021 | 56 people with active Crohn’s; cannabis oil with CBD and THC (4:1) vs placebo for 8 weeks | Better symptom scores and quality of life, but no change in inflammation seen at endoscopy or in blood and stool markers |
| Israel, 2013 | 21 people; cannabis cigarettes with THC | Symptom improvement, but small and high risk of bias |
| Cochrane review, 2018 | 3 trials, 93 people | Effects of cannabis and CBD on Crohn’s are uncertain; no firm conclusions possible |
The key point: feeling better and the disease getting better aren’t the same thing. In the larger trial, symptoms improved but the inflammation that damages the bowel didn’t. That’s why CBD or cannabis can’t replace treatments that control inflammation.
Is there a “best CBD oil for Crohn’s”?
No. No CBD oil sold in the UK has been shown to help Crohn’s disease, and any brand claiming its product treats Crohn’s is breaking UK rules. The only cannabis product with a symptom benefit in a trial contained THC, which isn’t legal in CBD supplements.
If you choose to use CBD for general wellbeing, choose a THC-free, lab-tested product from a brand on the FSA public list. See how to choose a CBD oil in the UK.
Why people with Crohn’s are interested in CBD
- Surveys: many people with inflammatory bowel disease report using cannabis or CBD, often for pain, appetite or sleep.
- Biology: the gut has cannabinoid receptors, and lab studies suggest cannabinoids affect inflammation. These haven’t translated into proven benefits in people.
- Living with a long-term condition is stressful, and some people use CBD as part of a calming routine. See CBD for sleep.
Medical cannabis for Crohn’s in the UK
Cannabis-based medicines containing THC can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor in the UK. NHS prescriptions for Crohn’s are very rare, because the evidence isn’t strong enough. Some private clinics prescribe it. Buying cannabis oil with THC without a prescription is illegal. See medical cannabis in the UK.
CBD and Crohn’s medicines
- CBD is broken down by liver enzymes that also process many medicines, and can raise their levels. This matters for some immunosuppressants, such as tacrolimus and ciclosporin.
- High doses of CBD can raise liver enzymes; some Crohn’s medicines, such as methotrexate and azathioprine, also need liver monitoring.
- Diarrhoea is a known side effect of high-dose CBD, which could be confused with a flare.
Always tell your IBD team or pharmacist if you take CBD. See can CBD interact with medication?
If you’re considering CBD
- Keep taking your prescribed treatment. Stopping it risks a flare and complications.
- Talk to your IBD nurse, gastroenterologist or pharmacist before you start.
- Start low, around 10mg a day. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
- Track symptoms and keep your routine blood tests.
- Seek help urgently for severe pain, blood in your poo, a fever or signs of a flare.
For more support, Crohn’s and Colitis UK has information and a helpline. Different from IBS? See CBD for IBS.
FAQs
Does CBD help Crohn’s disease?
There’s no evidence that CBD on its own helps. A trial of low-dose CBD found no benefit over placebo. A CBD and THC cannabis oil eased symptoms but not inflammation.
What is the best CBD oil for Crohn’s?
No CBD oil has been shown to help Crohn’s. If you use CBD for general wellbeing, choose a THC-free, lab-tested product and tell your IBD team.
Can CBD reduce inflammation in Crohn’s?
Not in the trials so far. In the largest trial, a cannabis oil improved symptoms but didn’t reduce inflammation in the bowel.
Can I get medical cannabis for Crohn’s on the NHS?
Very rarely. Only specialist doctors can prescribe cannabis-based medicines, and the evidence for Crohn’s isn’t strong enough for routine NHS use.
Is CBD safe with Crohn’s medication?
Not always. CBD can raise levels of some immunosuppressants and affect the liver at high doses. Check with your IBD team or pharmacist first.
Sources
- Naftali T et al. Low-dose cannabidiol is safe but not effective in the treatment for Crohn’s disease. Dig Dis Sci, 2017.
- Naftali T et al. Oral CBD-rich cannabis induces clinical but not endoscopic response in patients with Crohn’s disease. J Crohns Colitis, 2021.
- Naftali T et al. Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn’s disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2013.
- Kafil TS et al. Cannabis for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018.
- NHS. Crohn’s disease.
- NHS. Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils).
This guide is general information, not medical advice.
