After using medical cannabis preparations, individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) report improvements in their health-related quality of life, based on observational data published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
The use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs)—flower or oil extracts—was evaluated by British researchers on 141 MS patients who were registered in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (Since 2018, patients who are not responding to traditional treatments may receive prescriptions for cannabis-based medical goods from British specialists.) At one, three, and six months, researchers evaluated shifts in patient-reported outcome indicators.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can significantly impact a person’s life in various ways, but it’s important to remember that the disease affects everyone differently. Here’s a breakdown of how MS can influence daily life:
- Physical Symptoms: MS disrupts nerve impulses due to myelin damage. This can lead to a range of physical challenges, including:
- Fatigue: Many people with MS experience extreme tiredness that can interfere with daily activities.
- Mobility problems: Difficulty walking, balancing, or using limbs are common. Assistive devices like canes or wheelchairs may be needed.
- Muscle weakness, stiffness, or spasms
- Vision problems: Blurred vision, pain, or double vision can occur.
- Bladder or bowel control issues
- Cognitive Changes: MS can affect thinking, memory, and concentration. People with MS may experience forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, or problems with planning and organization.
- Emotional and Mental Health: The challenges of living with MS can lead to depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
- Social Life: Physical limitations and fatigue can make it difficult to participate in social activities. Depression or anxiety may also lead to social isolation.
However, there is hope! Here are some ways people with MS can manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life:
- Treatment: Medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Lifestyle Changes: Staying active, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can significantly improve well-being.
- Support Systems: Connecting with doctors, therapists, and support groups can provide valuable guidance and emotional support.
Additionally:
- The severity of MS varies greatly. Some people experience mild symptoms with minimal impact on daily life, while others face significant challenges.
- There is no cure for MS, but research is ongoing to develop new treatments and hopefully a cure in the future.
Following cannabis therapy, patients experienced long-lasting improvements in their mental and physical well-being. Few severe side effects were observed by them while receiving medication.
A prescription cannabis spray with a precise ratio of THC to CBD called nabiximols, often known as Sativex, is currently available in Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, among other places. In the US, the medication is not authorized for the treatment of any ailments.
Although the use of cannabis extracts for MS patients is becoming more widely accepted, not all patients benefit from these treatments. On the other hand, some people who have not responded well to extracts have responded well to herbal cannabis products. These findings highlight the need for cannabis flower to be kept accessible as a legitimate therapeutic option, even in states where prescriptions are already in place for medical cannabis extracts.