Cannabis users reported that it can reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ultimately for the first time, this statement was proven by an experiment conducted in mice jointly by the University of Bath and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The research findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The scientists discovered that gut inflammation is regulated by two major processes. The first process evokes an aggressive immune response in the gut region which destroys dangerous pathogens. But if immune cells attack indiscriminately, the intestinal lining could also get damaged.

In the second pathway, the inflammation response is turned off due to transport of special molecules across the gut. But this response needs a natural molecule called an endocannabinoid, similar to cannabinoid molecules in cannabis. If the endocannabinoid is absent, inflammation might arise since the immune cells attack the intestinal lining.

Beth A. McCormick, Ph.D., vice chair and professor of microbiology and physiological systems from UMass Medical School said, "For the first time, we have an understanding of the molecules involved in the process and how endocannabinoids and cannabinoids control inflammation. This gives clinical researchers a new drug target to explore to treat patients that suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, and perhaps other diseases, as well."