MEDICAL MINUTE

MEDICAL MINUTE WITH NURSE JORDAN

In this issue, we are learning all about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and diseases that mimic its symptoms. The cause of MS is unknown. It is a disease that affects the central nervous system, 1 which controls the majority of functions for the mind and body. Read on as we explore some commonly asked questions about using cannabis for MS.

WHAT STATES HAVE APPROVED MS AS A QUALIFYING CONDITION?

Qualifying conditions to receive your medical marijuana card vary from state to state. It is important to make sure your state has approved the condition you have. In the case of MS, some states specifically approve MS2 as a diagnosis and several states use the term “persistent muscle spasms or spasticity.” Since that is a primary symptom of MS, approval would most likely be provided.

Alaska Arkansas Connecticut Florida Hawaii Illinois Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Missouri New Hampshire MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

New Jersey New Mexico New York North Dakota Ohio Pennsylvania Utah Vermont West Virginia

Arizona California Colorado Delaware Maryland Michigan Minnesota PERSISTENT MUSCLE SPASMS Montana Nevada Oregon Rhode Island Utah Washington Oklahoma Washington D.C. TREATING PHYSICIAN DECISION

In my professional opinion, after working with several MS patients performing cannabis massage, I can say that one of the best methods of consumption for MS patients is high quality topicals, like the organic ones we designed for our patients. 3 Because this condition can have a detrimental effect on the muscles, self application or application done by a licensed therapist can be a total game changer. The relief that is felt often takes place within minutes of application. Re-application can be done as needed.

Studies are showing that cannabis may be effective for the pain and spasticity felt by MS patients. 4 Another method of consumption that can assist with the discomfort being felt is by using a cannabis oil or tincture. The difference in an oil and tincture is how the plant is extracted: either by using alcohol as a solvent or by using an oil. Either method is great for internal absorption. Thanks to the body’s ECS,5 we have receptors throughout the body waiting to be activated by cannabinoids. THC and CBD bind to the body’s receptors and assist in relieving the spasms and pain felt by MS. If you are on other medications and you want to try using cannabis, speak with your doctor. Be honest in your desire to understand the plant and check to see if there are any contraindications of your medications. Safety first.

ARE THERE ANY MS SUPPORT GROUPS OR ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING GUIDANCE OR MORE RESOURCES?

A quick google search for “multiple sclerosis local support groups” will provide you with any groups near you. The National MS Society 6 offers guidance for patients. You can find this information by visiting their website - www.nationalmssociety.org click on the tab that says treatment, then where it says “Complementary and Alternative Medicines.” You will see several alternative treatments listed and Marijuana (Cannabis) is the second. They provide comprehensive information about cannabis plant medicine as a whole. 7

With no surprise, “there’s an app for that.” If you are a tech savvy person and you and/or your caregiver prefer that route, there is an interactive application from Healthline called MS Buddy:Multiple Sclerosis. 8 It can be found in the app store on any smartphone. This is another great resource for patients. Members can communicate with fellow patients for inspiration and advice. It is important to note, this is not a medical app. This is a platform designed for support, not medical answers. Those types of questions should still be asked of your primary care physician.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR NURSE JORDAN? Please submit any questions to info@getgramnow.com Your question may be published in an upcoming issue.

CBD + MS BY BEN OWENS

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide. 1 Typically treated with prescriptions for symptoms, many living with MS seek alternative treatments. As CBD has become more accessible, many MS patients are looking to this non-psychotropic cannabinoid as an option for easing the impact of symptoms like fatigue, spasticity, and emotional anxiety and depression that stems from living with the disease. Studies have started to show CBD is effective in aiding in the treatment of the symptoms of MS, helping to improve the quality of life. 2,3,4

CBD + MS: STUDIES SHOW PROMISE FOR CANNABINOID TREATMENTS

Studies are showing that CBD has a variety of applications and can be helpful with symptom management, helping with fatigue, pain, spasticity, and mobility, making it a potential alternative to pharmaceutical symptom management. One of the most common and most distressing symptoms to MS patients is spasticity, or involuntary, uncontrollable movements of the body. Cannabis products containing significant amounts of CBD have been shown to be effective at reducing muscle spasticity in addition to pain and other symptoms. 9,10,11,12

In small preliminary trials, CBD has actually been tested on MS patients and has been found to improve neurogenic symptoms that are typically unresponsive to standard treatments. 10 Additionally, CBD has been found to be an effective anti-inflammatory, 11 which could prove helpful not only with painful symptoms of MS, but also in the treatment of inflammation in the CNS before damage is done. Another common symptom of MS is a change in emotional and mental state, often as a result of stress and social anxiety about the condition that can even lead to bouts of depression. In fact, CBD has been found to prevent “long-lasting anxiogenic effects.” 13 Preliminary reports on an anxiolytic effects of CBD for social anxiety disorders report “CBD was associated with significantly decreased subjective anxiety.” 14 Trials involving CBD administration to mice found CBD to be a quick-acting antidepressant, helping to combat depressive actions. 15,16

As more studies are done on the efficacy of CBD in MS treatment, the more comfortable physicians will be offering advice and insight to patients. Currently, the preliminary body of evidence suggests CBD could be an effective treatment option for symptom management of MS. If you have access to CBD and are considering adding a CBD supplement to your treatment regimen, talk with your doctor or consult a health professional who is familiar with your condition. He or she may recommend specific products and offer advice on titrating a dose to fit your needs.