MS | Multiple Sclerosis

By Heather DeRose

More studies are showing that cannabis can alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). With the amount of people diagnosed with the condition, finding a natural way to manage symptoms is crucial to avoid harsh side effects of harmful pain medications or muscle relaxants. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “8,000-10,000 children (up to 18 years old) in the United States have MS, and another 10,000-15,000 experience at least one symptom suggestive of MS. Studies suggest that two to five percent of all people with MS have a history of symptom onset before age 18.” Diagnosing children is more challenging because symptoms such as seizures and lethargy can be experienced, which adults typically do not exhibit. It is estimated that nearly 2.3 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with MS. The Society also states environmental factors like cigarette smoking and Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to higher risks of MS. 1 According to Leafly, “Over half of those diagnosed with MS will suffer depression and become twice as likely to commit suicide as the general population.”

Those affected by MS experience symptoms due to damage within the central nervous system, which include the brain, spinal cord, and optic (eye) nerves. The chronic inflammation causes irreversible damage and inhibits the ability of nerves to communicate throughout the body, which causes chronic pain, loss of motor control, depression, problems with memory and concentration, blurred vision, double vision, imbalance, numbness, fatigue, and muscle spasticity and weakness. More serious symptoms can include tremors, paralysis, and blindness. Currently, there is not a cure for MS, but there are FDA approved medications that can limit areas of damage. Many of the FDA approved disease modifying therapies used for adults are prescribed off-label for children diagnosed with MS. There are other non-FDA approved treatments for pediatric patients. Therapeutic and technological advances are helping those affected by the condition manage their symptoms. “The Society supports the rights of people with MS to work with their MS healthcare providers to access marijuana for medical purposes.”

Cannabis has been studied on those with the condition and shown to help with common symptoms. “Participants with stable MS were randomly assigned to receive oral cannabis extract (144 people) or placebo (135 people), and reported their perceptions of changes in muscle stiffness before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Muscle stiffness improved by almost two-fold in the group taking cannabis compared to placebo, and improvements were also noted in body pain, spasms, and sleep quality.” This study reported these findings among those diagnosed with MS and cannabis use, “47% have considered using for their MS, 26% have used for their MS, 20% have spoken with their physician about use, and 16% are currently using cannabis.”

The United States holds a patent on the cannabinoids that have been found to have antioxidant properties and neuroprotectant benefits, whichcould be used to treat inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Those with MS can see improved symptoms because of the cannabinoids activating receptors throughout the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) that are associated with pain, mood, memory, appetite, and the entire regulatory system that promotes the healing process. Patients are seeing improved quality of life with minimal side effects. Another study by The University of Plymouth, England in 2012, found cannabis to be twice as effective at providing muscle pain and spasms compared to a placebo.

Cannabis has been found to reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, promote sleep, improve vision and mood, as well as support the vital ECS for overall health and wellness. For anyone interested in learning more about how cannabis can help those diagnosed with MS, the Realm of Caring in Colorado (www.theroc. us) helps families that can benefit from cannabis therapy. The Realm of Caring’s Research Library offers specific research about cannabis and MS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org ) provides information about children and adults in regards to cannabis as a treatment option.

THE SOCIETY SUPPORTS THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH MS TO WORK WITH THEIR MS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO ACCESS MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES.