Medical cannabis can successfully treat multiple sclerosis symptoms after several reports of people who used it as a remedy. The common symptoms of multiple sclerosis treatable with cannabis include pain, paralysis, and muscle spasms. But what is the reason behind medical marijuana’s effectiveness in treating the incurable neurodegenerative disorder? Here is an analysis of how cannabis eases the symptoms of MS.

According to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, an estimated 200 individuals are diagnosed with MS that every week in the US. Only a few conditions can be as long-lasting and progressively debilitating as MS.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder that targets specific areas of the body, such as the spinal cord, brain, and the optic nerve. The immune system starts becoming sensitive to neurons and sees them as destructive invaders for some reason. This makes the body’s immune cells start attacking these neurons. This immune system attack is disastrous and leads to scar tissue build-up. This means the neurons don’t act accordingly in directing signals to the other parts of the body.

Although multiple sclerosis is a popular disease that affects millions of sufferers globally, there is still no cure for the disorder. The treatment options are to reduce the symptoms and mostly include powerful drugs that reduce the disease’s impact. The use of medical marijuana has shown promise to improving brain functions and easing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

The most common symptom of multiple sclerosis is inflammation. The immune cells usually discharge pro-inflammatory proteins known as cytokines, which fills the brain with pro-inflammatory proteins. This process usually leads to neuron destruction which makes the condition worse. The use of essential cannabis compounds such as CBD and THC can deactivate the brain’s immune system and prevent the central nervous system’s damage.

Medical cannabis is one of the best solutions for individuals with pain. This is due to its potent analgesic cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, which interact with pain receptors inside the body to bring relief. The ability of cannabis to decrease inflammation also reduces pain since pain and inflammation go hand in hand.

Several studies show that about 20% of people living with multiple sclerosis also suffer from spasticity problems (unstoppable muscle twitching and stiffness). The main cause of the conditions is damage to the nerve cells, in charge of bodily movements. The use of cannabis can reduce inflammation in the spine and brain and ease spasms and muscle stiffness.

One common worry faced by multiple sclerosis patients is gastrointestinal issues. This includes problems like constipation, bowel control problems and digestion difficulties which can make daily living difficult. Cannabis can help with digestive issues since it engages with the immune cells to reduce inflammation in the bowels. Cannabinoids like THC can also stimulate appetite and maintains the flow of digestive juices for a better eating experience.

The symptoms of MS usually cause stress and therefore make most patients to loss sleep. The use of medical marijuana puts the mind at ease and thus facilitates sleep.