Dad With Multiple Sclerosis Quits Taking 75 Pills A Day By Switching To Cannabis

The beauty of medicinal cannabis has always been in the testimonies of patients who have benefited from medicinal cannabis over traditional medicines. This is the story of a man who was initially paralyzed by multiple sclerosis (MS) and was once heavily dependent on medication for maintenance. After being paralyzed for a period, he became a medical cannabis sensation when he swapped out 75 pills for cannabis and is now actively getting back on his feet. Read on as we explore the science behind this beautiful story and what it means for the cannabis industry at large.

Battling an acute illness has always been a daunting task for anyone battling it, but it’s nothing compared to chronic illness. This is the reality behind multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system. MS disrupts the regular chain of information in the brain, while also affecting how information travels from the brain to the body. Data from the National MS Society shows that over 2.3 million people worldwide are currently struggling with MS. It is known that continuous progression of the disease leads to deterioration and permanent damage to nerves and their functions

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, so conventional pharmaceutical products aim for preservation rather than a complete cure. However, the cannabis plant has evolved into a valuable and potent product that can benefit people living with the condition. Although there is limited research and studies into the plant’s effectiveness in dealing with multiple sclerosis, a recent story could change that. A man from Kinross, Scotland is grateful he has regained his life as cannabis has helped him cope with multiple sclerosis more than traditional medication.

Tony Patterson explained that his troubling journey with MS began after he was hospitalized for eye surgery. He was then diagnosed with MS after undergoing an MRI scan in January 2011. Patterson explained that this reality turned his world upside down and affected everything that concerned him. It came around the time he was realizing his dream of becoming Executive Chef at the Gleneagle Hotel. Patterson explained that he didn’t know much about the condition prior to the diagnosis. The only understanding he had to leave with was that he couldn’t see properly, was inherently weak, and his mind was disoriented.

Not long after being diagnosed, Patterson found his condition worsening and he was soon forced to walk with a cane. Soon his unaided movement was completely stopped and he moved around with the help of a wheelchair. Patterson shared this with the Nottingham Post, where he explained that he would soon have to move back into his parents’ house so they could look after him. Memory problems, mobility problems, and incontinence with the bowel and bladder marked his condition.

The medics and pharmacists’ suggested move for Patterson was to use pills to relieve the symptoms he was facing. This meant Patterson had to take pills totaling about 75 pills in one day. This was broken up into 20 pills three or four times a day as some pills were also used to counteract other pills. Many drugs and therapies were instituted to help Patterson, but none proved effective in showing the significant change needed in his condition. As the day progressed, it seemed like Patterson wouldn’t find a suitable solution to change his situation. He soon deteriorated into mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar issues.

In 2014, Patterson was fortunate to stumble upon an NHS research project aimed at determining marijuana’s effectiveness for the condition. He enrolled and soon had to let go of the many pills he threw on cannabis every day. It took just 10 months of medical marijuana therapy to get out of his wheelchair and actively back on his feet. Patterson, who has always been a regular cyclist, has also been able to get back on his bike thanks to the effects cannabis has on controlling his limbs.

His cannabis dosage is set at 3 grams or less of medical marijuana from MMJ clinics. That rate adds up to around £300 ($365.83) monthly from MMJ Clinics. Patterson explained that this drastically changed his life thanks to the multiple effects of cannabis. The natural product combated a range of symptoms associated with MS. He soon noticed a reduction in his bipolar and PTSD effects, which helped him get through his day. Cannabis also acted as a saving grace in pain relief, although it doesn’t completely eliminate all pain.

The good thing about Patterson’s diagnosis is that he has relapsing remitting MS. So the worst is over. He lives and takes care of his daughter Zevanna, who was born in 2014, as a single father. Cannabis has helped him become a better father to his daughter and he feels like he’s been given a second chance at life. Since then he has become something of a proponent of medicinal cannabis and advises all other pain sufferers to try medicinal cannabis.

Patterson’s story is a revelation that will change the medical cannabis industry. It is certain that an increase in research and studies into the effectiveness of cannabis in MS and other diseases where new therapies are desired will have a rebound effect. Right now we are all grateful for the wonderful impact medicinal cannabis has had on Patterson’s livelihood as it has been his salvation from MS.

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