Return to order YOUR DISPENSARY to continue your order
Continue your order at YOUR DISPENSARY
ReturnWritten by Casandra Jones on 03/29/2022.
Data Last Updated: 12/14/2023.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating and chronic disease that affects over 1.8 million people worldwide. Its symptoms can cause significant discomfort to those who suffer from it. Although there are medications for managing most symptoms associated with the disease, they often come with a range of disturbing side effects. However, research suggests that marijuana may be beneficial in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with MS. So in this article, we will explore the potential benefits of managing MS symptoms with cannabis and how to use it right.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath (the protective coating that surrounds nerve fibers) of the nervous system. This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, resulting in a variety of physical and cognitive impairments.
Multiple sclerosis is non-contagious. Although it is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50, it can occur at any age. Studies have shown that women are more likely to develop MS than men. Nevertheless, there are a range of predisposing factors that may play a role in the development of MS including vitamin D deficiency, obesity, smoking, and genetics.
Multiple Sclerosis is associated with a variety of symptoms including the following:
The main reason behind the wave of medical marijuana legalization in the US is its robust medicinal potency, offering relief to those for whom traditional orthodox medicine has proven ineffective.
Millions of people worldwide now enjoy an improved quality of life thanks to CBD and medical marijuana. The evidence is so compelling that CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who once opposed medical marijuana, became a staunch advocate for its medicinal use after thorough research and witnessing its transformative impact on patients.
Marijuana’s therapeutic mechanism in treating multiple sclerosis lies in its various compounds, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. This interaction enables cannabis to deliver relief and wellness to its users..
Marijuana can help those with multiple sclerosis in the following ways:
Muscle stiffness results in lots of discomfort. Although there are several drugs for managing it, they often result in some unwanted side effects such as weakness. However, studies have shown that cannabis can effectively reduce stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis.
A 2012 study in the UK found that an oral extract of cannabis was more effective than a placebo in reducing muscle stiffness in people with MS. The extract was taken from Cannabis sativa L and the main cannabinoid was THC.
Moderate evidence suggests that cannabis can be effective in reducing muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis. This 2010 analysis of three studies found that nabiximol (Sativex), a mouth spray containing cannabinoids, reduced people with MS’s self-reported spasticity.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, is a very potent analgesic that is effective in managing chronic pain. They can reduce neuropathic pain and improve the overall quality of life for MS patients.
If you are experiencing neurogenic bladder symptoms, such as urge incontinence, nocturia, or urinary frequency you may find help in cannabis. Marijuana extracts have been found to be effective in improving some refractory neurogenic symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. This includes reducing episodes of urge incontinence, reducing nocturia, and improving bladder control.
Many MS patients struggle with sleep disturbances. However, marijuana can have a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting better sleep and reducing insomnia.
Inflammation can quickly destroy other organs and tissues of the body, exacerbating the progression of multiple sclerosis. The effectiveness of cannabinoids as strong anti-inflammatory agents is attributed to their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, suppress cytokine production, and promote the generation of T-cells. It is also believed to protect the brain cells from damage.
Loss of appetite is a common issue for individuals with MS, often resulting from nausea and gastrointestinal problems. Marijuana can stimulate the appetite, due to the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), helping patients maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.
The short answer is, yes, MS is a lifelong condition. There is currently no cure for the disease. However, the course of MS can be highly variable, and individuals experience it differently. There are different types of MS, which can influence the disease’s trajectory. The most common types include:
While marijuana may offer potential benefits for managing Multiple Sclerosis, it’s essential to use it safely and responsibly.
Although there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, the use of marijuana as a complementary treatment can significantly relieve some of its symptoms and enhance the quality of life of people living with MS.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing the symptoms, a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and emotional support can make a significant difference. If you or someone you know is considering including marijuana or CBD in multiple sclerosis treatment, it is important to first consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
5
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Let us improve this post!
Tell us how we can improve this post?
© 2024 Dr. Weedy | All rights reserved
We are using cookies to improve our services and offer you the best possible MMJ evaluation experience. You can find out more about which cookies we are using in our Privacy Policy.