“Introduction: Control of pain in patients affected by chronic pancreatitis with recurrent exacerbations is a challenging condition, with conventional therapies often providing limited relief. This case report describes the use of medical cannabis as a novel approach in a patient with refractory chronic pancreatitis, contributing to the growing interest in alternative treatments for pain and inflammation in similar complex cases.
Case presentation: A 54-year-old woman with a 24-year history of chronic pancreatitis caused by recurrent acute pancreatitis presented with persistent, severe abdominal pain and recurrent exacerbations despite undergoing numerous conventional interventions, including cholecystectomy, enzyme supplementation, repeated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs), and stent placements. Imaging and laboratory findings confirmed chronic pancreatitis, with evidence of Oddi sphincter stenosis and microlithiasis. The patient was initially managed with standard pain relief therapy, digestive enzymes, and endoscopic interventions, all of which failed to provide lasting relief. In February 2024, she began treatment with a medical cannabis formulation rich in Cannabidiol, under the supervision of her healthcare provider. This intervention led to substantial pain reduction, cessation of acute episodes, improved appetite, and enhanced quality of life.
Conclusion: This case illustrates that medical cannabis may offer a promising alternative for managing chronic pancreatitis, especially when conventional treatments prove ineffective. This outcome underscores the need for further research on cannabinoids as a therapeutic option in chronic pain and inflammation management for pancreatitis and other challenging conditions.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40781340/
“This case illustrates the potential of medical cannabis as an effective treatment option for chronic, treatment-resistant pancreatitis, a condition notoriously difficult to manage with conventional therapies. The patient’s experience demonstrates how cannabinoids can provide substantial pain relief, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life, even when standard interventions fail to yield lasting benefits. Her case underscores the importance of exploring alternative therapies for complex, chronic conditions like pancreatitis, suggesting that medical cannabis may offer a transformative option for patients with few viable treatment paths.”
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-025-00303-w
