Medical Marijuana for Multiple Sclerosis

How MS Affects the Body

Multiple Sclerosis causes the body’s immune system to attack the central nervous system in the same way it would a viral or bacterial infection. The result is irreversible damage to the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS is characterized by flare ups, followed by periods of remission. Severity varies among patients, but symptoms are often debilitating and result in severe physical limitations or even paralysis.

Common MS Symptoms & Treatment

MS patients may experience nerve pain, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, vision problems, insomnia, loss of appetite, and even seizures. Anxiety and depression are also common with MS.

Because MS affects the entire body, traditional treatments involve a variety of pharmaceutical medications prescribed to relieve symptoms and extend remissions. Unfortunately, many come with their own unpleasant side effects. While implementing marijuana into MS treatment won’t eliminate the need for prescription medications, it may help reduce the dosage and amount of medications patients need to take.

Relieving Pain & Slowing MS Progression

The role of marijuana-based treatments in managing MS symptoms is becoming highly recognized. Studies have found CBD and THC cannabinoids to be effective in treating muscle spasms, fatigue, appetite loss, insomnia, chronic pain, and MS-related anxiety and depression.

Cannabinoids also show promise in slowing MS progression by modifying the body’s immune response to prevent it attacking the nerves. So rather than simply relieving pain, marijuana works to heal the damaged nerves that are the source of it. Marijuana is also thought to be a neuroprotectant, which could further prevent MS progression.

Learn How Marijuana Can Help You

Many MS patients report drastic improvements with marijuana medicine — from reduced pain and improved sleep, to regaining sensation and range of motion in limbs affected by MS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal, and advocates for extended state legalization.
If you’re living with MS and want to know more about how marijuana can help improve your quality of life, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits. And if you’re interested in getting your medical marijuana card, goodblend is here to help.