8 WAYS CANNABIS BENEFITS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS What Is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective covering of central nerves, causing inflammation resulting in a variety of symptoms. Depending on the patient and the level of their condition, symptoms can include: Extreme fatigue Lack of coordination Weakness Tingling Impaired sensation Vision problems Bladder incontinence Cognitive impairment Mood Swings Despite Canada having one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with approximately 1 in every 385 individuals battling this condition, there is still much research to be done and no cure in sight yet. However, that does not mean that patients of this disease need to suffer alone. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND CANNABIS Fortunately, cannabis has been proven to assist with many of the symptoms presented by this disease and can help provide much needed comfort and emotional well-being. Cannabis Manages Pain One of the most common overall uses for cannabis is for pain relief, specifically relief from chronic pain or pain due to inflammation (arthritis). When it comes to Multiple Sclerosis, inflammation is one of the main causes of the condition and can result in pain throughout the body. In fact, 55% of M.S. patients have “clinically significant pain� while 48% are troubled by chronic pain. Cannabis has potent anti-inflammatory properties due to the bodies interactions with cannabinoids (THC and CBD) as well as the medical benefits presented by terpenes. The best strains for managing pain include those that are Indica-dominant as these present more physical properties. Some great choices for potent pain relief include: Granddaddy Purple, Purple Kush, MK Ultra and Death Bubba. Cannabis Reduces Spasticity Muscle stiffness and spasticity are common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. This is caused by the damage or destruction that inflammation brings to the myelin sheaths, which are responsible for protecting the nerves, and the damage can result in uncontrollable spasms. A 2007 study found decreased spasticity of over 30% in 40 percent of the patients.
Further proof was evident in a 2012 study, which found that low doses of cannabis were twice as effective at managing muscle stiffness – and patients also reported improved sleep and lessened pain. Cannabis Regulates Immunity Autoimmune diseases are characterised by the body attacking its own healthy nerves and cells due to an imbalance, underdevelopment or other cause. The exact cause for Multiple Sclerosis is still unknown, but involves the immune system to a great extent. The cannabinoids found in medical marijuana work by communicating with the body’s own Endocannabinoid System. It is believed that this system is connected to the rest of the body and influences the immune system, central nervous system and even hormones. Both THC and CBD work to regulate this system and can help balance dysfunction, which may hold some answers for M.S. patients. Cannabis Regulates Seizures Multiple Sclerosis patients can sometimes find themselves at increased risk of seizure due to myelin sheath damage and increased brain lesions. Fortunately, cannabis can assist with this too; more specifically cannabidiol (or CBD) which has been found to quiet excitement in the brain in order to reduce frequency and severity of seizures. Cannabis Assists With Sleep With the variety of symptoms M.S. patients face, sleep can be a hard thing to come by. Between the chronic pain, depression, anxiety and even bladder issues, many of these individuals suffer from insomnia. Many studies have found that cannabis helps individuals to fall asleep quicker and actually can help them to stay asleep longer, which gives them the much needed rest to cope with their condition. Indica strains are proven to be best for managing insomnia, such as Northern Lights, Master Kush, Bubba OG and Romulan. Cannabis Battles Depression (and Anxiety) Living with a debilitating and chronic condition such as Multiple Sclerosis can wreak havoc on your mental wellbeing. In fact, it is believed that clinical depression (which is the most severe form) is more common amongst M.S. patients than the general population. While not all cannabis strains are created equal, Sativa-dominant strains provide the most benefit to individuals battling depression. These strains have energizing and mood boosting properties that can help to improve wellbeing and lessen those dark feelings. Some popular Sativa options to consider include: Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Blue Sapphire and Green Crack. Cannabis Soothes Gastrointestinal Issues From hyper-bowel activity and diarrhea to low-bowel activity and constipation as well as bladder incontinence, gastrointestinal issues plaque Multiple Sclerosis individuals. Research shows that cannabis can not only ease these gastrointestinal issues but can also reduce overactive bladder by reducing spasticity. Cannabis Boosts Energy Levels A 2010 study found that chronic fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis and can emerge from chronic pain and insomnia, which can both wear the body and mind down. Strains with Sativa-dominant properties provide much needed mood boosts and jolts of energy to patients having trouble getting through the day.
Some popular strain options for boosting energy include: Sour Diesel, Green Crack, Durban Poison and Chocolope. BUY CANNABIS ONLINE When battling a condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, it can be hard to know where to turn. Fortunately, there are many storefront and online cannabis dispensary options that provide affordable and quality medical marijuana for individuals looking for alternatives. FairCannaCare is one such dispensary that provides a variety of cannabis options at affordable pricing, as well as a well-educated customer support team and discreet delivery. We make it easy to buy cannabis online! Simply click here to join now.