Multiple Sclerosis and the benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis which is also known as MS is a disease of the central nervous system. Basically, the immune system attacks the myelin, which is a mixture of proteins and phospholipids that form a whitish insulating sheath around many nerve fibers, increasing the speed at which impulses are conducted through the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (NIH, 2018 & MS).
       Multiple-sclerosis or MS Symptoms:  Often present in the hands and legs..

• Tingling
• Burning sensations
• Numbness
• Chronic pain
• Coordination and balance problems
• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Bladder control problems
• Depression
• Trouble thinking clearly

Multiple-sclerosis or MS is the most common neurological disease affecting those that are 20-40 years of  age which is more common for women. There are currently 400, 000 Americans and about 2.5 million people world wide affected (NIH, 2018).  There is no cure for MS, so the conventional treatment plans are to improve symptoms, reduce the number of relapses and the severity of those relapses while delay the disease's progression. 

What is Cannabis Oil?

Cannabidiol or CBD Oil is a product from the cannabis plant. CBD oil has non-intoxicating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipsychotic properties (Rudroff, 2017). The cannabis and cannabinoids have been used medically and recreationally for thousands of years. There is continued interest medically and non-medically especially since more and more states are legalizing its use. Alternative medicine and studies have been gaining in strong supportive evidence for its uses. 

Why use Cannabis Oil with Multiple-sclerosis or MS?

Evidence has shown that patients with MS treat the symptoms which cannabidiol or CBD oil can improve some of the symptoms that occur with MS such as mobility issues, pain, muscle spasticity, inflammation etc (Rudroff, 2018). However, there appears to be more research needed due to the fact that every person is unique there doesn't appear to be a guideline of the amount to be used other than a 1:1 ratio when considering CBD Oil and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) usage together (Leussink, 2012). Furthermore, cannabinoids (CBD oil) has been found to be generally well-tolerated.

Forms for use-  

• Concentrates 
• Capsules 
• Tinctures
• Topicals 
• Sprays 
• Vapes 

**Highly recommend that research be done before making a decision on if using CBD is right for you and which product and/or form is best for you too. There are some other great studies about CBD and Multiple sclerosis out there along with epilepsy and Parkinsons etc.

***Warning Information-

“Cannabis use has been associated with an increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia in at-risk individuals, there is growing evidence that cannabis can increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI), hypertension, heart failure, and stroke, and a recently recognized rare adverse effect of cannabis is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” (Rice, 2018). So like with anything else this is not intended to give medical advice, make diagnoses, or hinder you from seeking care from a licensed medical professional. Please talk to your medical doctor for further information especially if you are unsure if cannabis or the byproducts from cannabis are right for you.

References: 

1. Leussink, V. I., Husseini, L., Warnke, C., Broussalis, E., Hartung, H. P., & Kieseier, B. C. (2012). Symptomatic therapy in multiple sclerosis: the role of cannabinoids in treating spasticity. Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 5(5), 255–266. doi:10.1177/1756285612453972 
2. National Multiple-sclerosis Society (2019) Multiple-sclerosis: What is MS? Retrieved from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS
3. NIH (2018) Multiple Sclerocis Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/multiple-sclerosis
4. Rice, J. & Cameron, M. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep (2018) 18: 50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-018-0859-x 
5. Rudroff, T., & Honce, J. M. (2017). Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis-The Way Forward. Frontiers in neurology, 8, 299. doi:10.3389/fneur.2017.00299 Rudroff, T., & Sosnoff, J. (2018). Cannabidiol to Improve Mobility in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 183. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00183

Liability…
And, of course, here’s the standard disclaimer:

The statements expressed herein pertaining to foods and herbs have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This website and related services are not intended to give medical advice, make diagnoses, or hinder you from seeking care from a licensed medical professional. Any of the resources suggested by the owner of this site are for information purposes only, publicly available to anyone, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You are encouraged to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes in diet or lifestyle. The information given by the owner of this site is not intended to replace the services or instructions of a physician, therapist or qualified healthcare provider. It is the individual’s responsibility to evaluate and choose service providers that they believe will satisfy their requirements and provide care that will meet their needs

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