Marijuana And Multiple Sclerosis
Cannabis has been shown to be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis, with many people reporting significant improvements in their symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore what MS is, some of the common symptoms of the condition, current research on how cannabis can treat it, how you can get started if you have MS and much more!
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. It is a chronic, progressive disease that can eventually lead to paralysis and death. There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerve cells, causing them to malfunction. This leads to symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle stiffness, and problems with vision, balance, and speaking.
Why is Cannabis for MS So Popular?
Since cannabis is known to alleviate pain and inflammation, it’s no wonder that it’s become a popular treatment option for people with MS.
Cannabis has been used to treat multiple sclerosis for a long time, and evidence suggests it may be effective in easing symptoms. Unlike other conditions where medication can provide significant relief, MS is a neurological disorder that affects the body’s nerves. Cannabis may help treat the symptoms of MS by relaxing the muscles and improving balance. Many people with MS have found relief in cannabis, either as an alternative or an additive to their current treatment.
Cannabis has shown promise in treating the symptoms of MS, and further research is needed to explore its potential benefits.
Research on the Effects of Cannabis for MS
The use of cannabis for treating symptoms of multiple sclerosis has been studied by scientists in recent years, with many finding that the plant can ease symptoms like pain, nausea, fatigue, and inflammation. Some people with MS have reported being able to walk or dance after starting cannabis treatment, and one of the main benefits of using cannabis for MS is that it may help people reduce the amount of other medications they need to take for the condition. Medications typically prescribed for MS can often reduce the effectiveness of other drugs, so cannabis provides an alternative treatment option.
How to Start Cannabis for MS Treatment
If you or a loved one are struggling with MS, you may be wondering if cannabis can help. Here’s a guide to getting started with using cannabis for MS treatment.
Cannabis can be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis, with many people finding relief from symptoms by consuming it in various forms. If you’re considering trying cannabis for MS, it’s important to be prepared to adjust your treatment plan to accommodate it. dosing may need to be adjusted based on other medications you’re taking, and it’s important to monitor for negative side effects.
Cannabis research is complex and challenging, but it holds great promise for people with MS.
Although researchers have faced some challenges while studying cannabis use in MS, the potential benefits of this natural remedy warrant further exploration.
In order to conduct effective research on cannabis, researchers need access to high-quality, standardized cannabis products first. Pharmaceutical formulations of cannabis have undergone clinical trials and meet safety and efficacy standards set by Health Canada. However, botanical cannabis products vary in concentration and proportion of cannabinoids, and are not subject to the same quality control measures. This is a major concern for healthcare providers, as the lack of standardization of cannabis products could lead to serious side effects.
In order to improve research on cannabis, we need to standardize methodological innovations. This includes developing credible placebos for clinical trials and standardized screening tools and outcome measures.
Challenges in research on cannabis and MS
Although studying the safety and efficacy of cannabis in MS presents challenges, much of the research that has been performed in the field has shown mixed results.
Researchers have yet to uncover all of the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis to treat MS. However, the evidence that is available suggests that cannabis may be able to help relieve some of the symptoms of MS.
Cannabis in children with MS
Studies in adults diagnosed with MS have shown there is a negative impact on cognition and brain volume for those living with the disease. Brain growth is also impacted in children and adolescents who are diagnosed with MS. The use of cannabis may be even more detrimental in youth and adolescents diagnosed with MS. Dr. Brenda Banwell and a research team examined the attitudes and prevalence of recreational cannabis use in youth diagnosed with MS. The team discovered that nearly 50 percent of pediatric-onset MS patients have used cannabis for relaxation, improving medical symptoms, and to reduce stress. Furthermore, more than half of the children/adolescents who use cannabis perceived having cognitive impairments in memory and focus18. Research into the long-term impact of cannabis use on youth diagnosed with MS is needed.
Unanswered research questions on cannabis and MS
Many questions remain unanswered and require further investigation into cannabis and MS, including:
- Which symptoms are best treated with cannabis?
- Which type of cannabinoid is best for treating symptoms of MS?
- Does the dosage and route of administration (smoking, nasal spray, edible, etc.) change the efficacy of the cannabis in managing MS symptoms?
- Do the negative effects of cannabis use continue even after stopping?
- Does cannabis use interact with other disease-modifying therapies?
More rigorously designed clinical trials are needed to address these research questions in MS.
How does this affect Canadians?
Development of treatments for MS is a top priority for the MS Society of Canada. We encourage research into all potential avenues that will lead to safe and effective treatment options. There remains uncertainty about cannabis and its benefits as a treatment for MS compared to its risks. Researchers emphasize that more work is required to investigate whether cannabis or cannabis-derived therapies can effectively and safely manage common MS symptoms, as well as disease progression.
With more people exploring the use of alternative and complementary approaches, such as cannabis, for treating MS symptoms, it becomes increasingly important to determine the risks of the treatment versus the benefits.
The MS Society advocates for all safe and effective, and affordable treatment options to be available to people living with MS. We support high-quality research including Dr. Feinstein’s work, which provides valuable information about medical cannabis that helps people living with MS, their families, and healthcare teams make informed decisions regarding their treatment options.
The MS Society supports the Canadians for Fair Access to Medical Marijuana (CFAMM) initiative regarding medical marijuana, cannabis and taxation.Their position is to advocate that medical marijuana and cannabis be zero-rated and exempt from excise and sales taxes, in all its forms and potencies.
Conclusion
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