Treatment of multiple sclerosis with marijuana

More than two million people worldwide are currently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is one in the US alone An estimated 1 million people live with the neurological disease. MS is often misunderstood and affects the body in many ways, starting with the sclerotic nerves. Many who suffer the debilitating effects of MS struggle with pain, restricted mobility and dramatic lifestyle changes that can affect their happiness throughout life. How about treating multiple sclerosis with marijuana?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is open to cannabis as an option. They state that while there are no FDA-approved cannabis-based medications to treat MS or its symptoms, some clinical studies have shown that unsmoked CBD/THC slightly reduces reported spasticity and pain in people with MS.

Muscle stiffness (commonly referred to as S.) also occurs in people with MS.pasticity), A condition that the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America describes as fairly common among sufferers.

About MSAA:

“Spasticity is a common symptom in MS. It is a tightness or stiffness in the muscles that typically occurs in the legs (calf or thigh), groin, and buttocks. Although less common, some people can experience back spasticity. These are all muscles that help humans stand in an upright position and maintain balance.”

While an estimated 90% of MS sufferers experience muscle stiffness, a study of medical marijuana shed light on how cannabinoids in weed can help relieve spasticity. Given a single marijuana cigarette, the double-blind study found that participants with MS believed their symptoms had improved.

RELATED: How marijuana is helping a father of two suffering from multiple sclerosis

In a study from 2000Researchers worked with a 30-year-old man with MS to find out how taking 5 milligrams of THC affected his tremors. Interestingly, when doctors compared the man’s handwriting and head movements before and after ingesting marijuana, his lines appeared clearer, with no apparent tremors.

Although the study dates back decades, researchers have made great strides in understanding the effects of THC and CBD on other MS symptoms, such as pain and insomnia. Actually the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports more research into the potential benefits and harms of using the drug to treat MS, and the research is finally meeting the demand.

RELATED: 4 Ways Medicinal Cannabis Can Help Ease Chronic Pain

Presented in May 2019 At the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, an Italian study showed that the benefits of CBD and THC are “long-lasting.” Researched documented: “At one month, 1502 (81.4%) of 1845 patients achieved a ≥20% improvement in the spasticity numerical rating scale and 814 (40.2%) achieved a ≥30% improvement.”

As with any other substance, doctors recommend speaking to your healthcare team about adding THC or CBD to medications that are already in the pill box. However, there are promising studies on the horizon and this may just be the beginning.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports removing barriers to long-term safety and efficacy research of medicinal cannabis and derived compounds for the symptoms of MS and the eventual creation of evidence-based guidelines for MS treatment.