Medical Marijuana And Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis affects 2.8 million people worldwide, a number that has increased by 30 percent between 2013 and 2020. Today we are going to discuss using medical marijuana for multiple sclerosis.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Electric-shock sensations when the neck is bent a certain way
- Loss of feeling or strength in limbs, often on one side of the body at a time
- Tremors and diminished coordination
- Loss of vision, either partial or complete blindness
- Prolonged double vision
- Blurry vision
- Slurring of speech
- Feeling dizzy
- Loss of energy
- Issues with sexual, bladder, and bowel function
Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis
There is no known cure for MS, so treatment typically involves managing symptoms, recovering from attacks, and slowing the progression of the disease.
Common methods of treatment are:
- Corticosteroids and plasma exchange to manage attacks
- Interferon-beta medications to slow progression
- Physical therapy and muscle relaxants for symptoms.
These are just a couple of the many treatments available to help patients with MS. Fortunately, the disease in some people isn’t severe enough to require medication or treatment.
What About Medical Marijuana For Multiple Sclerosis?
As of right now, the evidence supporting medical marijuana as an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis is not entirely conclusive.
There are many compounds in cannabis that affect your body and mind. A national group of scientific institutions determined that some of them are likely to help with the stiffness and muscle spasms that are common with MS.
It is also reported to help with fibromyalgia (pain all over the body) as well as help with sleep issues patients with MS may be experiencing.
However, the evidence for using medical marijuana for muscle spasms and depression among MS patients isn’t the strongest when measured by a doctor, but self-reported results say otherwise.
In 2012, a study conducted in the UK observed people using cannabis experienced roughly twice as much relief from muscle stiffness as people in the same study who were using a placebo.
Similarly, a trial also from 2012 found that smoking marijuana led to a greater reduction in pain than a placebo.
What Strain Of Medical Marijuana Is Good For Muscle Spasms And MS?
This is not a recommendation, but three strains of marijuana that have qualities that may potentially help with muscle spasms and MS are:
- Sojay Haze: an uplifting Sativa-dominant strain
- Super Sour Diesel: can help with fatigue and pain
- Critical Mass: an Indica-dominant strain that can help the mind and body relax
How To Get Medical Marijuana For Multiple Sclerosis
If you are asking “can I get medical marijuana for multiple sclerosis?” or “do muscle spasms qualify for marijuana?”, the answer depends on where you live.
Some countries have legalized medical marijuana for therapeutic use to help with MS-related spasms and pain.
In the US, even though two-thirds of states have legalized medical marijuana, only two uses of it are approved by the FDA and they are related to seizures.
If you are living in a state where medical marijuana is legal and wish to use it for MS, talk to your doctor to see if they are willing to give you a recommendation. Qualifying conditions vary from state to state, however.
