What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic (ongoing) and complex disease in which your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. This is known as an autoimmune response.
With MS, the immune system attacks and damages the fatty material (myelin) that insulates the nerves of your central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). This is known as demyelination.
Healthy myelin acts like the covering of an electric cord. It protects your nerve fibres and allows them to transmit impulses (messages) quickly and effectively.
Demyelination causes inflammation and scarring (multiple sclerosis means ‘many scars’). The formation of these scars, known as plaques or lesions, affects your nerves’ ability to transmit messages between your brain and other parts of your body.
Whilst there is not yet a cure for MS, researchers are making promising progress and discoveries about the treatment and management of MS every day.
Benefits of cannabis for MS
The chemicals in cannabis have different effects on the body, some of which can be medicinal.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the primary chemicals in cannabis, and it has psychoactive properties that cause the “high” of the drug. Conversely, a compound called cannabidiol (CBD) does not have psychoactive effects. There are many other components of cannabis, but most research to date has focused on these two.
THC mayTrusted Source increase appetite, reduce nausea, and improve muscle control issues.
CBD may be useful for controlling some types of epileptic seizures and is a promising option for some mental health conditions such as social anxiety and PTSD.
CBD is also a promising option for helping with pain and spasticity.
More evidence is needed to determine the therapeutic potential of CBD and to determine safe and effective dosages for each use.
People should check on their local laws before using cannabis or cannabis products.
Seek guidance from a healthcare provider, if possible, before using any CBD products.
Scientific evidence suggests that it can lessen pain, muscle problems, and bladder issues. Additional, larger-scale clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
The long-term safety of treatment with this drug needs more research. It is not yet clear which form of cannabis is likely to be most beneficial. Any treatment containing THC may have some psychoactive effects.
People should speak with their doctor before deciding to use cannabis for MS. Their doctor can help them weigh the costs and benefits of the treatment and determine whether it is safe and suitable for them.
