Shaun Deane, a 28-year-old from Plymouth, has shared his journey with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that he was diagnosed with at the age of 15. For years, he endured severe pain and discomfort, described as a constant ‘stitch’ that never faded. His symptoms included intense stomach cramps, resulting in a life largely put on hold, as he avoided social situations out of fear of not finding a bathroom in time.
Initially, medical professionals misdiagnosed Shaun, attributing his issues to dairy intolerance. It wasn’t until he consulted a gastroenterologist and underwent a colonoscopy that his Crohn’s disease was recognized.
In 2018, Shaun was prescribed ‘6-MP’, a chemotherapy drug typically used for leukemia. However, the medication caused pancreatitis, leading to hospitalization and a near-fatal reaction. After five years of suffering and with conventional treatments failing, Shaun sought alternative options for relief.
After conducting research on medical cannabis and its effects on inflammatory bowel diseases, Shaun decided to explore this avenue. He received a prescription for medical cannabis from Alternaleaf, a private clinic.
The results were immediate and transformative. Shaun reported a rapid reduction in his symptoms, stating, ‘I’ve never felt my symptoms retract so fast. It made my mind forget about the pain, the discomfort, and the illness.’ This shift allowed him to reconnect with his life, leading to a significant improvement in his mood and overall well-being. His coworkers and family have noticed a marked change, describing him as happier and more engaged.
Shaun’s experience reflects a growing trend among patients in the UK turning to medical cannabis for relief from conditions like Crohn’s disease. According to Alternaleaf, the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in the UK may be much higher than previously estimated, with research indicating that around 500,000 people are affected.
In 2022, a study by Crohn’s & Colitis UK and Coeliac UK revealed that the actual number of Crohn’s disease cases in the population is nearly double the earlier estimate of 300,000. This surge in cases raises concerns about the ability of the health service to adequately support those in need of treatment.
The complexity of Crohn’s disease, which varies from patient to patient, means that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Many individuals are now seeking help from medical cannabis clinics as they look for effective alternatives to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.
A study conducted by the UK Medical Cannabis Registry involving 116 patients with inflammatory bowel disease found that 26% of participants experienced substantial improvements in health-related quality of life measures, including anxiety and sleep quality.
Nabila Chaudhri, the medical director at Alternaleaf, noted, ‘Crohn’s disease significantly impacts quality of life. Conventional treatments often come with intolerable side effects. Medical cannabis offers an alternative that can relieve pain and stress, providing a holistic approach to treatment.’
Despite the legalization of medical cannabis in the UK since 2018, there remains a stigma and a lack of awareness surrounding its use. Increased education and access could lead to thousands more patients finding relief from conditions like Crohn’s disease. Shaun emphasizes the importance of sharing his story to raise awareness, stating, ‘I think my true self has finally flowered, and I’m living my life, whereas for years I was just surviving.’
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech