Medical Marijuana for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Your ReThink-Rx™ Doctor Will Help

Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle spasticity for people with Multiple Sclerosis. A recent study showed that marijuana was more effective in reducing muscle spasms than the traditional pharmaceutical medications used to treat MS. Keep reading to learn more about the life-changing effects of weed for MS patients.

What is Marijuana and What are its Effects on the Body?

Marijuana is a dried, shredded mix of flowers, stems, and leaves from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When smoked, THC passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries it to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC attaches to receptors on neurons in the brain and alters their normal functioning.

These changes can alter mood, consciousness, and perception. The effects of marijuana vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed.

What is MS and How Does Marijuana Affect Those with MS?

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. It interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. The National MS Society estimates that there are 400,000 people living with MS in the United States. Marijuana has been shown to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with MS such as pain, muscle stiffness, and spasms.

How to Get Medical Marijuana for Those with MS

If you have MS and are interested in trying medical marijuana to help ease your symptoms, you’ll need a doctor’s recommendation to get a medical marijuana card. You can then use that card to purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary in your state.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using medical marijuana for MS. First, start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Second, be sure to use a strain of marijuana that is high in CBD and low in THC, as this will minimize the psychoactive effects of the drug. Lastly, be sure to talk to your doctor about any potential interactions between medical marijuana and other medications you are taking for your MS.

Side Effects of Marijuana Use in People with MS

There are several side effects of marijuana use in people with MS. These side effects can include difficulty thinking and concentrating, dizziness, drowsiness, problems with balance and coordination, and hallucinations. Additionally, marijuana can worsen muscle spasms and pain, increase the risk of seizures, and cause nausea and vomiting.

This is why it’s critical you speak to a doctor before using weed to treat your MS.

Benefits of Using Marijuana to Treat Symptoms of MS

Some of the various benefits of using medical cannabis for MS include:

1. Marijuana has been shown to help reduce muscle spasms and pain in people with MS.
2. Marijuana can help improve sleep for people with MS.
3. Marijuana may help regulate bladder function in people with MS.
4. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for people with MS.
5. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, has been shown to slow the progression of MS in some cases.
6. Marijuana use may improve cognitive function in people with MS.
7. Cannabis may help reduce anxiety and depression in people with MS.
8. Overall, marijuana use may help improve quality of life for people with MS.

Conclusion

With the right precautions, medical marijuana can be a safe and effective way to ease the symptoms of MS. Talk to your doctor today to see if it’s right for you.

Contact ReThink-Rx today to learn more about how to get medical marijuana.