In the US alone, over 400,000 Americans struggle with to manage the daily symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disorder that presents with neurologic manifestations. Patients may receive a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting or progressive types of the disease.
For those suffering from this often-debilitating disorder, the list of possible symptoms varies. In general, many may experience fatigue, vision problems, muscle spasticity and numbness, and vertigo. But other more serious symptoms can occur, resulting in the form of cognitive dysfunction, difficulty walking, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and sleep or speech issues.
Of course, in the wake of a list of ailments like that, it’s no wonder another symptom is depression for the MS patient.
There is no cure for MS. Instead, the patient must rely on immunosuppressant drugs to stave off any relapses and help their unpredictable condition. Unfortunately, these drugs do little to help the day-to-day MS symptoms. But luckily, there’s medical marijuana.
Since medical marijuana first came to California, the first state to offer it, MS has made the list of qualifying conditions. Other states currently with medical marijuana also include it on their list. But despite this, sparse research exists on the specifics of how to treat Multiple Sclerosis with cannabis.
No matter what, many with MS still medicate with Mary Jane, considering the drug a savior in combating their daily symptoms.
Mixed Reviews: Cannabis in MS Research
Immunosuppressant drugs have treated MS for over 40 years. But these drugs deliver other side effects. Patients taking these drugs may experience an increased risk of infection, emotional changes, high blood pressure, and weight gain. And in the end, this treatment drug might not take care of some of their