Florida Patients Reported Relief From Marijuana Use

A new University of Florida survey detailed how cannabis affected symptom management for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Arthritis

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a mortar and pestle with herbal elements, symbolizing alternative symptom management in a health-study context. — A University of Florida study of 108 inflammatory bowel disease patients found that a majority reported using marijuana to manage symptoms like pain and anxiety. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel comfortable discussing all alternative or non-prescription symptom treatments with your doctor?

Researchers at the University of Florida surveyed 108 inflammatory bowel disease patients about their marijuana usage patterns. Published on September 23, 2026, the study found that a majority of participants credited the substance with improving their quality of life.

Why it matters

The study highlights how patients utilize marijuana to manage symptoms like joint pain and anxiety while reducing reliance on other analgesics. It underscores a significant trend in patient behavior and the ongoing dialogue between patients and clinicians regarding alternative therapies.

In a survey of 108 patients, 54.6% reported using marijuana to treat joint pain, while 53.7% used it for nausea and vomiting. Notably, only 24.5% of respondents received formal counseling from their physicians regarding potential drug interactions.

The players

University of Florida

This is a public research university that conducted the survey at its inflammatory bowel disease clinic.

The details

The survey consisted of 39 questions administered to patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis at the University of Florida IBD clinic. Participants frequently cited using marijuana for anxiety and pain, with 97.9% indicating they felt comfortable discussing their usage with their doctors.

September 23, 2026: The study results were published.

Health Landscape

This study highlights an evolving medical landscape as more patients integrate marijuana into their care routines across the 38 U.S. states with legal medicinal marijuana programs. It illustrates a shifting dynamic where standard biologic pharmacotherapy is increasingly supplemented by alternative substances.

Patients currently using marijuana for symptom relief should prioritize discussing their usage and potential drug interactions with their primary healthcare providers. Since a large majority of patients feel comfortable having this conversation, seeking professional counseling is a recommended step to ensure treatment safety.

The takeaway

Patients managing chronic inflammatory conditions are increasingly turning to marijuana to address both primary disease symptoms and secondary issues like joint pain. This trend emphasizes the importance of open communication between patients and doctors to monitor for potential interactions with existing medications.