Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.dubermedical.com/best-strains-for-multiple-sclerosis/
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is recognized as an autoimmune condition that harms the neurons within the central nervous system [2]. It is identified by prevalent symptoms such as spasticity, muscle spasms, neuropathic pain, tremors, bladder dysfunction, dysarthria, and cognitive issues, including memory disturbances. Medical cannabis for MS has been a hot topic of research recently. Numerous clinical studies have been carried out to explore the impact of cannabis on alleviating these symptoms in individuals with MS, and results are hopeful.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune and neurological disease where the immune system degrades the protective coating (myelin) that surrounds nerves. This leads to impaired nerve signaling between the brian and spinal cord [2]. As a result, MS patients suffer from spasticity and persistent neuropathic pain [1]. As the disease advances, these symptoms intensify, resulting in deteriorating disability, compromised daily activities, and a diminished quality of life. Conventional anti-spasticity medications and analgesics often provide limited relief but may be poorly tolerated. About 2.3 million people worldwide suffer from MS and suffer day-to-day symptoms such as [2]:
Spasticity/muscle spasms
Tremors
Ataxia (loss of coordination and balance)
Bladder dysfunction
Neuropathic pain
Dysarthria (difficulty speaking)
Memory disturbances
Medical Marijuana for Multiple Sclerosis
Cannabis cannabinoids like 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) show promise in mitigating spasticity and pain for people with MS because they bind to the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 [2]. These receptors are distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and immune systems. CB1 is known to block pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord, and CB1 and CB2 also offer anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties that may benefit MS symptoms. In addition to CB1 and CB2 in the central and peripheral nervous system, cannabinoids can also act on opioid and serotonin receptors. Altogether, this means that cannabinoids are able to target a wider range of the nervous system than most individual drugs.
Clinical research on the benefits of cannabinoids for MS most often utilizes nabiximols (Sativex) which has equal parts THC and CBD [1]. Some studies have also prescribed dronabinol (synthetic THC, FDA-approved), but very few use inhaled marijuana because its potency, cannabinoid profile, and terpene profile create variables in data that are difficult to account for. The inclusion of CBD may be very beneficial since studies have observed that it may increase mobility in MS patients by reducing stiffness, discomfort, inflammation, exhaustion, and depression [2]. Nabiximols, the 1:1 THC :CBD preparation, has demonstrated the ability to alleviate spasticity, pain, tremors, ataxia, bladder functions, sleep, and improve overall quality of life [1,2]. It also has few side effects.
Best Cannabis Strains for Multiple Sclerosis
If you are an MS patient who is interested in using medical marijuana, it is important to consult with a medical marijuana doctor. They can help you obtain your med card and guide you in choosing the best cannabis products for your specific health concerns. With that in mind, here are some cannabis strains for MS patients to consider trying.
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