William Troutt, NMD

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Medical Cannabis: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Dr. William Troutt, NMD, Lead Medical Director, Trulieve 

Since the turn of the 21st century, Inflammatory Bowel Disease has become a globally recognized condition.  The incidence significantly increases as societies become industrialized. The CDC estimated a 2015 incidence in the United States of approximately 1.3% of adults including 3.1 million with diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  An abnormal immune response to gut microflora leads to flares of GI symptoms that significantly affect quality of life, morbidity, and often cause complications requiring hospitalization and surgery.  Patients are increasingly seeking alternatives and adjunct treatments such as cannabis for symptom relief including pain reduction, increased appetite, relieving nausea and diarrhea, managing anxiety, and reducing the need for other medications.  The endocannabinoid system has been identified as controlling GI functions including motility, inflammation and permeability, hunger signaling, and gut microflora dynamics that make it an ideal target for symptom management and support of GI health.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss relevant pathology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease as a Qualifying Condition for the Florida Medical Cannabis Program.
• Review medical literature related to cannabis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
• Describe functions of the endocannabinoid system associated with the pathology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and GI health.
• Identify Medical Cannabis Protocols for the relief of symptoms associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and improvement of patient quality of life.

Dr. Troutt is an Arizona and Maryland licensed naturopathic doctor with over three decades experience studying and advocating for cannabis-based medicine. Dr. Troutt graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In 2003, he graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine specializing in botanical and natural medicines.

Since 2010, Dr. Troutt has worked exclusively in the cannabis industry. In that time, he has consulted with thousands of medical cannabis patients, top physicians, researchers, public servants, and industry leaders—sharing his extensive practical experience in safe and effective cannabis use. He has created educational materials and protocols for employees, customers, patients, and their caregivers in more than ten State Regulated Medical Cannabis Programs.