The observational study represents a first-of-its-kind effort by a state cannabis regulatory agency to advance medicinal cannabis research through designing and launching a medical study.

OCM’s Director of Scientific Programs & Research, Dr. Nakesha Abel, who will also serve as the study’s lead investigator, said that to fully understand the medical benefits of cannabis, the industry needs to invest more in research.

“Research like this helps move the conversation about cannabis from anecdotal experiences to measurable data-driven patient outcomes,” said Abel.

The costs of IBD to New Yorkers

Study participants will take 10-35 mg of CBD and THC orally daily to track how cannabis impacts the symptoms of IBD conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases cause inflammation and damage along a patient’s intestinal tract, often leading to painful symptoms ranging from cramping, diarrhea, and sores to potentially life-threatening conditions such as bleeding, tearing, or intestinal blockages, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Chief Medical Officer at OCM, Dr. Junella Chin, said that at times, IBD symptoms can become severe enough to disrupt patients’ ability to function normally.

“Patients living with gastrointestinal conditions often face daily challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life,” said Chin. “Advancing comprehensive cannabis research is essential to expanding treatment options, underpinning support for patient care and strengthening our understanding of how cannabis could support health and wellness.”

Close to 3 million people in the United States are impacted by IBD with varying levels of severity, and the number of people impacted, along with treatment-related costs, continues to rise, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The conditions are traditionally treated with medications like steroids, immunosuppressants, and newer, but effective, expensive prescription biologics, according to the CDC.

A 2018 study in the medical journal “Gastroenterology” found that healthcare costs associated with IBD totaled around $8.5 billion, with 71% of costs going toward prescription medication.

Still, some patients saw persistent IBD symptoms, even with medication.

Can cannabis provide relief to IBD patients?

OCM’s new cannabis study aims to target patients whose symptoms are still not well managed with a prescribed treatment regimen.

Officials said that OCM’s latest move shows that the state is ready to take its place as a national leader in medical cannabis. 

“The launch of this study reflects New York State’s commitment to advancing cannabis science and research to better understand the long-term therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis beyond anecdotal reports,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

People suffering from IBD have been known to use medical marijuana to ease symptoms like pain, nausea, and decreased appetite, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. However, the nonprofit, which is devoted to finding cures for the two most common IBDs, noted that so far, medical studies have been small and need further research to explore the therapeutic uses of medicinal cannabis.

The state regulatory agency will partner with Vireo Health, a physician-founded licensed cannabis dispensary, and RISE Dispensaries, a prominent chain of cannabis dispensaries with locations across the nation, including six in New York.

Prospective participants in the study must be at least 18 years old with a diagnosed IBD. The screening process also asks patients to commit to abstaining from using marijuana in a smokable form for the duration of the study. If admitted, participants will receive vouchers to cover the cost of medical cannabis.

For more information, visit cannabis.ny.gov/ibd-study-2026.