MS Awareness Week 2024: How can medical cannabis help manage MS?
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres called myelin, causing inflammation and damage. This damage disrupts the flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, leading to a wide range of symptoms. In this blog, we explore how medical cannabis can help manage the debilitating symptoms of MS.
Eight facts about MS:
- MS impacts the brain and spinal cord, collectively known as the central nervous system.
- While MS is a lifelong condition, it typically does not result in death.
- Over 130,000 individuals in the UK are affected by MS.
- MS is the most common central nervous system condition among young adults.
- MS is neither infectious nor contagious, meaning it cannot be transmitted through contact with someone who has it.
- Each person’s experience with MS varies, leading to different symptoms and severity levels, even among closely related individuals.
- Although there is currently no cure for MS, there exist numerous methods to manage its symptoms.
- Many symptoms of MS are invisible, making it impossible to discern someone’s condition or the challenges they face merely by appearance.
How can medical cannabis help manage MS?
Medical cannabis has been studied for its potential to alleviate certain symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Some of the symptoms that medical cannabis may help with include:
- Pain: Cannabis has analgesic properties and may help reduce neuropathic pain, which is common in MS.
- Inflammation: Cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in medical cannabis work in collaboration with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the body to reduce inflammation. For instance, nerolidol and terpinolene, among other terpenes, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in pain relief.
- Muscle spasticity: Spasticity is characterized by muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms, which are common symptoms of MS. Some studies suggest that cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may help reduce muscle spasticity.
- Sleep disturbances: MS patients often experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns. Cannabis may help improve sleep quality and duration for some individuals.
- Anxiety and depression: Living with a chronic illness like MS can lead to anxiety and depression. Some patients report that cannabis helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, although the evidence is mixed.
- Nausea and vomiting: Cannabis has anti-nausea and antiemetic effects, which may be beneficial for MS patients experiencing nausea and vomiting, particularly as side effects of medications or symptoms of the disease itself.
Are you considering medical cannabis?
If you or anyone you know is experiencing chronic pain, Mamedica can assist you with personalised medical cannabis prescriptions.
Our team of experienced doctors offers compassionate care and guidance on pain relief. Our clinic team is available to support you on your patient journey, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Patients who are looking to harness the benefits of medical cannabis can get started by checking their eligibility here.