Multiple Sclerosis: An Evidence-Based Review in the Remarkable Treatment of Cannabinoid Medicine

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative condition characterized by central nervous lesions and chronic inflammation.1 It is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure.

However, proper treatment can attenuate its progression.2 Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may be a novel treatment in combating this progressive and challenging illness.3

While the etiology and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis remain unclear, it has been established that the cause is likely multifactorial and includes “genetic predisposition together with environmental factors such as exposure to infectious agents, vitamin deficiencies, and smoking.”1

Recent evidence suggests that cannabinoid therapy may be efficacious in treating spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.3

 Recent evidence suggests that cannabinoid therapy may be efficacious in treating spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.3

This blog will explore the current clinical landscape in the treatment of MS with medical cannabis by reviewing the currently available evidence.

As cannabis use rapidly becomes more prevalent globally, further research and public education will be imperative for the conscious, mindful use of this medicine in treating illness.

The Evidence Strongly Supports Cannabinoids for the Treatment of MS

Two recent high-quality systemic reviews determined that some of the strongest evidence supporting the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids for the treatment of neurological disorders actually comes from the treatment of MS symptoms with cannabis.3

Studies show 20–60% patients with MS are currently using cannabis and 50–90% would consider using it if it were more easily accessible and/or legal.4 As legalization on the state level spreads across the nation, this number is expected to rise dramatically.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also supports medical cannabis use in instances where patients have untreatable MS and are in lawful states.

Studies show 20–60% patients with MS are currently using cannabis and 50–90% would consider using it if it were more easily accessible and/or legal.

The cannabis plant is incredibly diverse contains varying permutations of many biologically active compounds, including over 100 different cannabinoids and many more terpenoids that work together to produce its effects.4

Two compounds that have received much attention and have been thoroughly investigated are THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is well known for producing the psychoactive effects of cannabis as well as “muscle relaxant, antiemetic, and appetite-stimulating effects”.5 These effects can be very beneficial to the MS sufferer.

Another powerfully therapeutic cannabinoid is CBD due to its own medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiemetic properties.6

In fact, there is further evidence that suggests CBD may be a novel treatment in helping MS patients regain mobility.

CBD May Help Improve Mobility in MS Patients

MS is a “demyelinating” disease that erodes the protective sheath around neurons in the body. This leads to fatigue, chronic pain, muscle spasticity and depression, which often limits physical activity and mobility in patients.6

Cannabidiol has shown efficacy in relieving these symptoms and indirect evidence shows this has helped patients regain their mobility.7

Oral Cannabis Extract May Help Urinary Symptoms in MS Patients Findings from a 2014 systemic review suggest oral cannabis extract (OCE) may be helpful in treating bladder dysfunction in MS patients.8

Another study tested oral cannabis extract versus placebo for 10 weeks in MS patients and while the results were not statistically significant, the data does suggest that OCE may indeed be helpful in mitigating these symptoms.

The MS Foundation: Advocating for More Research & Access to Cannabis

The Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the ability of patients living with MS to make informed choices about their treatment strategy with their healthcare providers.

This includes the use of medical cannabis, which the MS society actively advocates for and calls for further research to be able to more effectively understand the role of medical cannabis in treating MS symptoms and possibly attenuating disease progression.

The society encourages an end to federal prohibition to remove barriers preventing future research into cannabinoid therapy and legalization on the state level to expand access for suffering patients.

The Multiple Sclerosis society supports the ability of patients living with MS to make informed choices about their treatment strategy with their health care providers

Prohibition Presents Significant Barriers Preventing Good Cannabis Research

Decades of misinformation campaigns and federal prohibition have unfortunately seriously stymied progress into cannabis research.

One of the most significant barriers to studying a schedule I substance such as cannabis is obtaining approval from institutions such as NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse).

This is no simple task since this agency generally only approves studies into controlled substances’ negative and harmful effects, thus preventing investigations into the positive and therapeutic effects of medical cannabis.

This is one primary reason the MS Society and other medical cannabis advocates are calling for an end to federal prohibition as the current policy roadblocks are seriously hindering progress into cannabinoid science.

Closing Thoughts: A Need For Further Education & More Research

It is estimated that MS currently affects 2.3 million people across the world.6 As stated before; unfortunately, a cure for this disease still does not exist.

When it comes to cannabis, MS is one condition in particular that the clinical evidence strongly suggests can benefit by cannabinoid therapy.

Nevertheless, there is a strong need for further investigation into this field of study to better elucidate the physiological and pharmacological mechanisms involved when treating MS with cannabis.

Finally, it is equally important for better public education campaigns to help inform MS patients of their treatment options and about how medical cannabis may help them achieve a better quality of life.

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Works Cited

1.        Ghasemi, N., Razavi, S. & Nikzad, E. Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnoses and Cell-Based Therapy. Cell J. Yakhteh 19, 1–10 (2017).

2.        Can marijuana help treat MS? Medical News Today.

3.        Rice, J. & Cameron, M. Cannabinoids for Treatment of MS Symptoms: State of the Evidence. Curr. Neurol. Neurosci. Rep. 18, 50 (2018).

4.        Rudroff, T. & Honce, J. M. Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis—The Way Forward. Front. Neurol. 8 (2017).

5.        Leussink, V. I. et al. Symptomatic therapy in multiple sclerosis: the role of cannabinoids in treating spasticity. Ther. Adv. Neurol. Disord. 5, 255–266 (2012).

6.        Rudroff, T. & Sosnoff, J. Cannabidiol to Improve Mobility in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Front. Neurol. 9, (2018).

7.        Novotna, A. et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols* (Sativex(®) ), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. Eur. J. Neurol. 18, 1122–1131 (2011).

8.        Koppel, B. S. et al. Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders. Neurology 82, 1556–1563 (2014).

9.        Kavia, R. B. C., De Ridder, D., Constantinescu, C. S., Stott, C. G. & Fowler, C. J. Randomized controlled trial of Sativex to treat detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis. Mult. Scler. Houndmills Basingstoke Engl. 16, 1349–1359 (2010).

10.        Marijuana FAQs. National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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