According to the latest findings of the National MS Society, about 1 million Americans are living with multiple sclerosis. It’s more than double than the last reported number.
Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative condition that’s related to damaging of cells in the spinal cord, brain, etc. that form the central nervous system. Some of the common symptoms associated with MS are vision problems, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, pain, numbness, cognitive problems, mood swings, breathing problems, and seizures.
There's a wide range of studies conducted on MS treatment, and researchers have found that medicinal properties of cannabis can help alleviate symptoms associated with the condition. In California, medical use of cannabis is legal, and to access it legally; you require CA medical marijuana doctors’ recommendations.
How exactly medical marijuana help cure multiple sclerosis?
In the human body, there exists an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for various functions such as appetite, digestion, sleep, mood, etc.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter, which is produced in the brain and binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. It plays a vital role in managing pain, movement control, motivation, memory, appetite, etc. Researchers have found that MS sufferers are unable to produce enough anandamide.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter, which is produced in the brain and binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. It plays a vital role in managing pain, movement control, motivation, memory, appetite, etc. Researchers have found that MS sufferers are unable to produce enough anandamide.
The chemical structure of anandamide is similar to that of THC, a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. This allows the body to recognize THC and alter normal brain communication.
A number of studies show that medical cannabis can help alleviate various symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis.
Inflammation is one of the major symptoms that MS sufferers have to deal with. Cannabis is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Its cannabinoids can help patients deal with inflammation in the brain associated with MS.
In a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, researchers gave an oral extract of cannabis and placebo two groups of MS patients. They reported that patients in the marijuana group got almost twice as much relief than the other group.
To cover it up—medical marijuana can help patients with MS. There’re scientific evidence that it can reduce pain, inflammation, bladder issues, and muscle problems associated with the condition. At the same time, it’s important to note that consuming cannabis for MS isn’t always necessary. And, it can have several side effects—thus consider taking professional help before using cannabis.
