Cannabis can rarely cause acute pancreatitis. This could be a significant complication for a patient using medical marijuana.
Risk factors:
(1) history of a previous episodes of cannabis-induced pancreatitis
(2) heavy cannabis use
Clinical features:
(1) acute pancreatitis
(2) history of marijuana or cannabinoid use prior to onset of pancreatitis
(3) exclusion of other causes of acute pancreatitis
(4) resolution after cannabis use stopped
Challenges in diagnosis:
(1) concurrent therapy with a drug known to cause pancreatitis
(2) chronic pancreatitis with use of marijuana for pain relief
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Gastroenterology
