Key Takeways
- Medical cannabis may help manage MS symptoms like spasticity, chronic pain, and fatigue.
- THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to relieve pain and inflammation in MS patients.
- Products like Sativex and Dronabinol have shown clinical success in reducing MS-related muscle stiffness and pain.
- Common MS symptoms include numbness, muscle weakness, vision problems, and coordination issues.
- Discuss potential side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment with a healthcare provider to ensure safe usage.
- To access medical cannabis, consult a physician, apply for a card, and visit licensed dispensaries.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis is a daily challenge, especially when traditional treatments aren’t enough to manage symptoms like muscle stiffness, chronic pain, or difficulty sleeping.
If you’ve been feeling like your current treatment plan is falling short, you may be wondering if there are other ways to regain some control over your life. Many people in ohio who are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are turning to medical cannabis for symptom relief—but is it the right option for them? Let’s find out.
How Medical Cannabis Could Help with MS?
If you’re looking for relief from your symptoms, medical cannabis may be worth exploring. While it isn’t a cure for MS, many patients report that cannabis helps ease some of the most difficult aspects of the disease, such as muscle spasms and chronic pain. Let’s explore how it works and why it might be a valuable addition to your treatment plan.
How the Endocannabinoid System Plays a Role in Symptom Management
You’ve probably heard about THC and CBD—the two main components of cannabis—but how can they help to manage MS? It all comes down to your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate pain, muscle control, and immune responses—key factors when managing MS symptoms.
- THC: Targets brain receptors to assist with motor control and reduce spasticity, which can aid in movement and discomfort.
- CBD: Works to lower inflammation by interacting with the immune system, important for MS patients dealing with immune system attacks on nerve cells.
This process helps relax muscles, ease pain, and reduce inflammation. For many, it results in less stiffness and greater mobility.
What Does the Research Say About Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Numerous studies have examined how medical cannabis can improve symptoms in neurological disorders. The most compelling evidence suggests it helps with muscle spasticity and neuropathic pain.
- Spasticity and Muscle Control: Cannabinoid products like Nabiximols (Sativex) have been shown to reduce muscle stiffness, improving the quality of life for MS patients.
- Neuropathic Pain Relief: Chronic pain is a major symptom of multiple sclerosis. Research on Dronabinol, a THC-based medication, shows it can effectively reduce pain when other treatments fall short.
- Sleep and Mood Improvements: Medical cannabis may also improve sleep and reduce anxiety, further enhancing the well-being of patients living with chronic illnesses.
The Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Common MS Symptoms
If you’re struggling with MS, the most frustrating symptoms are often those that interfere with daily life. Here’s how medical cannabis may help:
- Managing Muscle Spasticity: Muscle stiffness can make movement painful and difficult. THC-CBD combinations like Sativex have been shown to reduce tightness, giving you greater freedom of movement.
- Easing Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is a common struggle, and traditional painkillers may not offer adequate relief. Cannabis, particularly THC-based medications like Dronabinol, targets pain, providing relief and improving your comfort.
- Improving Sleep and Mood: Anxiety and sleep disturbances are often by-products of MS. Many patients report that cannabis helps them relax, improves sleep quality, and balances emotional well-being.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
As with any treatment, medical cannabis comes with potential side effects. In MS patients, the disease itself causes a range of symptoms, and some patients report the following issues:
- Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs: Often occurs on one side of the body at a time and is one of the most common early signs of MS.
- Tingling: A frequent sensory symptom, typically in the limbs or face.
- Electric-shock sensations (Lhermitte sign): A characteristic MS symptom where certain neck movements trigger a sensation similar to an electric shock.
- Lack of balance and coordination: Due to nerve damage, patients often experience difficulty in coordination and fine motor skills.
- Clumsiness and unsteady gait: The neurological disruptions in MS can lead to trouble walking and general movement difficulties.
- Dizziness and vertigo: Feelings of spinning or dizziness are common due to disrupted communication between the brain and body.
- Partial or complete loss of vision: Usually occurs in one eye at a time, often associated with optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), along with pain during eye movement.
- Prolonged double vision: A result of nerve damage affecting muscles that control eye movements.
- Blurry vision: Often due to damage in the optic nerve.
- Problems with sexual, bowel, and bladder function: Due to damage in areas of the brain and spinal cord that control these functions.
- Fatigue: A very common and debilitating symptom for many MS patients.
- Slurred speech: Caused by nerve damage affecting muscles responsible for speech.
- Cognitive problems: Including memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and slower thinking processes.
- Mood disturbances: Such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
- Muscle stiffness and spasms (tremors): Known as spasticity, it can cause pain and difficulty with movement.
These effects are typically dose-dependent, so it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find the right balance. Cognitive side effects should be monitored if you already experience cognitive decline.
How Can You Use Medical Cannabis Safely for Multiple Sclerosis?
There are different methods to consider once medical cannabis is deemed appropriate for MS symptom management:
- Oral (Capsules, Edibles): It’s Ideal for long-lasting relief from pain and spasticity, though it takes longer to feel the effects. This is a good option if you need relief throughout the day or night.
- Oromucosal Sprays (Sativex): You can apply under the tongue, this spray works quickly to reduce muscle stiffness and is useful for fast relief.
- Topicals and Vaping: Topicals can be applied directly to the skin for localized pain, while vaping offers immediate symptom relief but may pose risks to lung health.
How to Get Started with Medical Cannabis for MS?
If you’re considering using medical cannabis to manage your MS symptoms, getting a cannabis card is the first step. This card allows you to legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Ohio state where medical marijuana is already legal. Check the below steps to complete the whole process:
Receive Your Card and Visit a Dispensary: After your application is approved, you will receive your ohio mmj card. With this card, you can legally purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. The staff at these dispensaries can help you choose the best cannabis products for your specific MS symptoms.
Talk To Your Healthcare Provider: Your journey starts by consulting with a certified healthcare provider who can assess your condition and determine if medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option for you. They will evaluate your medical history and current symptoms to provide a recommendation.
Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card: Once you have a recommendation, you can apply for a medical marijuana card through your state’s medical marijuana program. This usually involves submitting an application online, along with the healthcare provider’s recommendation and a fee.
How MMTC Can Help
At Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Ohio (MMTC), we understand that navigating the world of medical cannabis can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to make the process easier for you:
- Expert Consultations: Our experienced physicians specialize in medical cannabis treatments and can guide you through every step of the process.
- Paperwork Assistance: MMTC handles the paperwork, allowing you to focus on finding the best treatment for your needs.
- Ongoing Support: After approval, we’ll help you choose the right products and adjust treatment as necessary to ensure you’re getting the most out of your therapy.
