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Nearly a million adults in the United States live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative disease that causes the immune system to damage the nerves in the central nervous system. There is no known cure for this lifelong condition, though some scientists believe medical marijuana can be beneficial in treating some of its symptoms. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary with each person. Since this disease affects the cells in the brain and spinal cord, some patients may lose their ability to walk, while others may have trouble moving their limbs. Those living with MS may also face vision problems and loss of balance, among other serious disabilities.
Scientific Studies Medical Marijuana Multiple Sclerosis
Several scientific studies show that marijuana and its cannabinoids can reduce muscle pain and decrease the symptoms of spasticity in people with MS. However, since the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, most of the studies and surveys conducted on the potential benefits of medical marijuana have been rather small. Nevertheless, now that cannabis has been legalized in several states, many public and private institutions are researching its medicinal benefits.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which supports the use of medical marijuana for people with MS in the states where it is lawful, has also pointed out the need for more research to understand the benefits and risks of cannabis in treating the symptoms of this debilitating disease. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most studied compounds of cannabis. While scientists have found THC to be effective against nausea, pain, and inflammation, they have also deduced it has psychoactive properties that cause the “high” associated with cannabis. On the other hand, CBD has proven beneficial in treating seizures, anxiety, PTSD, and paranoia.
This cannabinoid does not have psychoactive effects and can offset the “high” caused by THC. Trending. When it comes to medical marijuana, the lack of standardization and regulation prevents most doctors from prescribing cannabis products to treat MS symptoms. Whether you smoke or dab, it is not always possible to know the right dosage since the THC levels tend to vary with each batch. Similarly, different people may have different reactions to CBD. You also must keep in mind that cannabinoids may interact with some medications under certain conditions.
How Medical Marijuana Responds To Multiple Sclerosis Patients
The marijuana plant, also known as Cannabis sativa, has many different active agents like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that target different parts of the body including the mind and spinal cord. By targeting the mind and spinal cord, marijuana can help manage most of the troubling symptoms of multiple sclerosis. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the nervous system by destroying the myelin sheath that protects neurons (nerves), this is what gives rise to the different symptoms experienced. CBD and THC found in marijuana can help reverse some of these effects.
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Medical Marijuana Edibles For Multiple Sclerosis
Medical marijuana edibles are fairly self-explanatory. Even though relying on medical marijuana edibles for relief from MS symptoms may seem as simple as snacking on a brownie or gummy, there are best practices to follow. Patients trying medical marijuana edibles for the first time should start with low dosage products, consuming them slowly. A low and slow approach allows patients to consume additional edibles over time if the first dosage didn’t provide enough relief. Taking too much at one time could result in a pretty uncomfortable experience, which wouldn’t be ideal for anyone, much less a beginner.
Medical Marijuana Topicals For Multiple Sclerosis
Another relatively straightforward way to use medical marijuana to treat discomfort is with medical marijuana topicals. Topicals are medical marijuana products, like lotions and balms, that can be applied directly onto problem areas. There’s no THC absorbed into the bloodstream with medical marijuana topicals, so they don’t cause users to feel intoxicated. The fact that medical marijuana topicals don’t produce psychoactive side effects is likely welcome news to many people considering medical marijuana for relief from MS symptoms.
Medical Marijuana Flower and Concentrates
When it comes to medical marijuana flower and concentrates, it’s a little more complicated. After selecting a vaporizer, you can explore the options available to you at medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida. There are dozens of strains to choose from when it comes to both medical marijuana flower and concentrates. Each strain has its own characteristics depending on its terpene profile. The best way to find out what strain is best for the MS symptoms you deal with is to try them for yourself. Doing so could provide you with levels of relief you never realized were possible!