Multiple sclerosis is a long-lasting, potentially disabling disease impacting nearly all body parts, causing many patients to feel hopeless. Medical cannabis for multiple sclerosis (MS) may provide hope and relief to those who feel like they’ve tried everything to manage their MS symptoms.
At LeafMed, we help people learn about the beneficial health effects of medical cannabis based on scientific evidence. Read on to learn how cannabis may improve your MS symptoms, then view our guide on how to get a medical marijuana card in Mississippi.
Managing Multiple Sclerosis With Medical Cannabis
To understand medical cannabis’ role in improving MS symptoms, you must grasp how both the disease and the natural plant compounds interact with the central nervous system. We cover everything you need to know below.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease that causes the immune system to attack and damage the neurons in the central nervous system. The neurodegenerative disease typically worsens over time as more cells become damaged. As a result, patients often experience the following symptoms that progressively intensify:
- Muscle spasms
- Tremors
- Neuropathic pain
- Bladder dysfunction
- Memory issues
- Mobility problems
- Fatigue
- Vision issues
- Complications with thinking, planning, and learning
- Numbness and tingling
- Chronic pain
Multiple sclerosis currently has no cure. Instead, doctors help patients manage their symptoms through therapy remedies and immunosuppressants that prevent the immune system from degenerating central nervous system cells as quickly. MS remedies will not cure or reverse the disease but can slow symptom progression.
How Cannabis Interacts With MS
Cannabis contains cannabinoids that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to suppress immune responses while regulating the central nervous system. In doing so, cannabis has the potential to slow MS progression while temporarily flare-ups and symptoms.
According to findings from the American Academy of Neurology, MS patients using cannabinoids saw less urinary frequency, reduced muscle spasticity, and a general reduction in pain.
Evidence suggests that patients with mild forms of MS can see improvement in at least two or more symptoms when taking cannabinoids. The same study noted that patients with more severe, further-developed cases may not see as much improvement using cannabis for multiple sclerosis.
During the study, just under half the participants even noted that they stopped taking their MS medications after seeing significant improvement from cannabis.
Across clinical studies, the most commonly reported benefits included reduced pain and spasticity. Many patients also noted reduced depression and anxiety regarding their diagnosis. Patients should speak with their providers regarding long-term safety before beginning medical cannabis remedies.
Managing MS With Cannabis: The Benefits
Based on the above clinical trials, cannabis may offer the following benefits to patients with mild MS:
- Reduced pain
- Improved mobility
- Reduced muscle spasms
- Less urinary frequency
- Mood improvements
- Reduced insomnia
- Overall improvements in quality of life
Has the FDA Approved Cannabis for MS?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved one drug with cannabis-derived ingredients called Epidiolex. Epidiolex contains CBD-only components without the psychoactive compound, THC. The FDA has also approved three synthetic drugs with cannabis-related ingredients:
- Marinol (dronabinol)
- Syndros (dronabinol in liquid form)
- Cesamet (nabilone)
Most of these drugs work for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatments. If you’re interested in Epidiolex for MS or a medical marijuana card, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. While cannabis typically only causes mild side effects, you still need to discuss potential risks and interactions with your current medications.
Does the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Approve Cannabis?
Yes, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports patients’ rights to access medical cannabis when working with their healthcare provider. The Society supports medical cannabis when used in line with provider recommendations, state laws, and federal restrictions.
Learn More About Medical Cannabis
If you’re interested in taking cannabis for multiple sclerosis, you likely want to continue learning more about how to use it. LeafMed is your go-to Mississippi medical marijuana dispensary, and we’re here to help. Learn answers to common medical cannabis questions, or call our LeafMed team in Mississippi today to learn more (228) 382-5323.