Medicinal Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis
How Medicinal Cannabis Can be Used to Help Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The symptoms of MS can vary widely from person to person and can include muscle stiffness, spasticity, fatigue, and pain. Currently, there is no cure for MS, but there are a variety of treatments available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. One such treatment option is medicinal cannabis.
Medicinal cannabis, or medical marijuana, is cannabis that is used to treat medical conditions. It contains a variety of compounds known as cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which are thought to have medicinal properties.
One of the main symptoms of MS is spasticity, which is the involuntary tightening of muscles. Medicinal cannabis has been shown to be effective in reducing spasticity in people with MS specifically with an approved medicine known as Sativex. Sativex is an oral spray made from a combination of two cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating many physiological processes, including pain, inflammation, and immune function. Sativex has been approved for use in several countries, including New Zealand, as a treatment for MS-related spasticity.
A number of studies have examined the effectiveness of Sativex in reducing spasticity and other MS-related symptoms. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that Sativex significantly reduced spasticity in MS patients compared to placebo.
In addition to reducing spasticity, medicinal cannabis may also be effective in treating pain associated with MS. Chronic pain is a common symptom of MS, and traditional pain medications may not always be effective. A study published in the European Journal of Pain found that MS patients who used medicinal cannabis experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who did not use cannabis.
While there is some evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis may be effective in treating symptoms of MS, it is important to note that cannabis is not a cure for the disease. Additionally, there are potential side effects associated with the use of medicinal cannabis, including dizziness, dry mouth, and cognitive impairment. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using medicinal cannabis with their doctor before starting treatment.
There are many different health conditions where medicinal cannabis has the potential to be of value. Learn about health conditions that medicinal cannabis can be used in.
References:
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