The Giving Tree Wellness Center, a medical dispensary of marijuana in Phoenix, Arizona announced that they will be participating in the Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation at the Phoenix Zoo.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are classified as Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBDs) — painful and chronic conditions that affect about 1.4 million people in the United States. The Giving Tree Wellness Center, Phoenix and Mesa’s local and leading medical dispensary of marijuana, is assisting people in treating their pain quickly, naturally and efficiently. The Giving Tree will be walking as a team in the upcoming Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Walk on April 11, 2015.

For a quite some time, medical marijuana has been used in almost every culture to address pain and cramps. Secondary effects of colitis and Crohn’s disease are stress, disturbed sleep, anxiety in social situations and loss of appetite—these symptoms have been thought to be treatable by medical marijuana. An assessment found that Crohn’s Disease Activity Index was improved when using cannabis. In fact, thanks to medical marijuana, 5 out of 11 patients with treatment-resistant Crohn’s actually entered into remission and no significant secondary effects were found.

Taking part of the largest event focused on finding a cure for IBD in the country is an annual tradition for The Giving Tree. Through the event, money is raised to support research for new IBD treatments and an eventual cure. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Americans still suffer silently from IBD.

The goal of the Giving Tree’s team is to raise $9,000. Employees from both Phoenix and Mesa Wellness Center locations will be participating and all funds raised for The Giving Tree’s team will be matched. Donations will support national research and patient programs around the Phoenix area and donors can do more than donate.

The Giving Tree notes that every dollar raised is a step closer to making life more bearable for those suffering with the disease and for their beloved ones. Learn more.