According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, around 1 million adults across the United States may have multiple sclerosis. But what is multiple sclerosis and how can cannabis help with this condition? Let’s find out.

Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative condition that comes with many debilitating symptoms. In this chronic neurological disease, the immune system of the sufferer starts attacking the central nervous system. This leads to damaging the cells present in the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is basically mediated by an abnormal response of the immune system. Multiple sclerosis is a serious and lifelong condition, and as of now, there is no cure for this condition. But proper treatment can slow down the progression of this disease. One possible treatment for this condition can be cannabis treatment.

Medical cannabis can help in alleviating various symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. That’s why a lot of MS sufferers consider getting a medical marijuana card to get access to medical cannabis. In fact, the use of medical cannabis for MS is also supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic, cannabis can enhance the quality of life of MS sufferers. However, cannabis is not a magical herb, and like any other medication, it may not work for everyone. In this article, we are going to focus on the top 3 ways in which cannabis can help with MS.

Cannabis Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

People with multiple sclerosis have to deal with chronic inflammation. This is where cannabis can help sufferers. Medical cannabis is widely known for helping in reducing inflammation. People have been using cannabis for thousands of years across the world because of its ability to fight inflammation. In recent years, various studies have shown that cannabis can help in reducing inflammation associated with MS. Cannabis can help in fighting the pathogens that try to invade and also helps in tissue repair. 

MS causes inflammation of neural tissue. This inflammation can cause various neurological symptoms, such as – muscle weakness and spasms, loss of motor control, fatigue, and unstable mood. But cannabis can help in reducing this inflammation and managing the symptoms.

You Can Get Relief From The Pain

One of the most common and debilitating symptoms associated with MS is pain. About 30 to 90 percent of people suffering from MS experience chronic pain. This can have a negative impact on their lifestyle. Now, pain-relief is the biggest reason why people get a medical marijuana card and buy cannabis. Cannabis can help in providing relief from a wide variety of pain types including – bone pain, headaches, muscle pain, and nerve pain. And unlike other opiates, medical cannabis does not have harmful side effects. This makes it a great option of medication for people having MS. Some studies show that smoking cannabis can be effective in reducing pain associated with MS.

THC and CBD Helps in Reducing Muscle Spasms

The sudden, involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles are called a muscle spasm. It is one of the most common symptoms of MS. It is estimated that about 60 to 90 percent of MS patients suffer from spasticity. This symptom can affect balance, walking, and sometimes even speech. The reason behind muscle spasms is the damage caused to nerve pathways that are responsible for controlling movement. There are traditional medications available on the market for the treatment of muscle spasticity, such as Zanaflex, valium, and Flexeril. But these medications come with some troubling side effects along with a risk of addiction.

Thankfully, research shows that cannabis may help in reducing muscle spasticity. It can even help in relieving stiffness in muscles. Studies show that cannabis is more effective than placebo in reducing muscle stiffness. In addition to that, it also helps in improving sleep and reducing pain in MS patients. Medical cannabis has the ability to reduce the frequency of muscle spasms and the severity of muscle spasticity.