Can People With ALS Benefit From Medical Cannabis?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord over time. People with this disease gradually lose the ability to control voluntary muscle movements. In advanced stages, ALS patients end up paralyzed and experience difficulty speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing.
There are currently no treatments for this neurological disorder, but there are modern medical studies that are evaluating cannabis products to manage ALS symptoms. Read on to learn more.
Cannabinoid Use for ALS Patients
Cannabis is generally safe to use, even for ALS patients. It contains cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which are cannabinoids that researchers believe to affect people with this disease positively. Studies suggest these chemical compounds have neuroprotective properties that can delay ALS progression and reduce oxidative stress.
Most studies have been based on animals, but there have been a few clinical trials conducted over the years on individuals with Lou Gehrig’s. Sativex (nabiximols), an oral spray that contains CBD and THC, has been found to reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness) among ALS patients significantly.
A survey found that cannabis may help in managing some ALS symptoms. Pain, spasticity, appetite loss, depression, and drooling have been reduced.
It is also believed that CBD combined with other ALS medications may be more effective in slowing down the disease’s progression. A case report showed that pairing CBD and Riluzole has improved muscle weakness and speaking and swallowing difficulty in a recently diagnosed patient for about 12 months.
In summary, studies suggest that medical marijuana is beneficial overall for patients with Lou Gehrig’s. Cannabinoid by-products are found to improve ALS symptoms and quality of life generally. Though the findings are promising, more research is necessary to fully assess the efficacy of cannabis, whether by itself or paired with ALS medications, as potential treatments for this disease.
If you want to get marijuana for ALS or other medical uses, you must consult with your doctor beforehand. Reach out to Thrive Medical Cannabis to learn how to get prescriptions for CBD and THC products in Texas. Contact our representatives today!