- Cannabis is able to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis
The question of whether marijuana should be used to treat this disease is complex, as there is uncertainty about its benefits in relation to its side effects. Multiple sclerosis patients suffer permanent muscle contraction, spasms, severe pain and difficulty sleeping. Drugs that have traditionally been used to treat these symptoms are not effective, so many have chosen to consume cannabis.
Already in 2012, a study revealed the positive effects of cannabis in a model of multiple sclerosis in mice, demonstrating an improvement in disease progression. And there are more jobs that provide a scientific basis for drug development in order to develop based on the modulation of the endocannabinoid system therapies.
Implications:
These studies were the germ of Sativex, an oral spray derived from cannabis which significantly improves spasticity in a proportion of people with multiple sclerosis who had been identified as likely to respond to therapy. Well-controlled, clinical trials help resolve the contradictory conclusions about the use of marijuana to treat symptoms of MS. Today Sativex cannabis is the drug most commonly used to treat spasticity: now available in 15 countries and approved in another 12, including the United States.
- The cannabis can alleviate the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown origin characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points on the body. Some patients often use cannabis therapeutically to treat the symptoms; however, there are still few clinical trials to evaluate its effect.
What we do know is that cannabis sativa has about 400 different chemical molecules, of which about 60 have analgesic properties. Some experts have suggested that cannabinoids are applicable for the treatment of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, and have theorized that the disease may be associated with a deficiency underlying clinical endocannabinoid system, which also plays an important role in migraine syndrome irritable bowel and a growing list of medical conditions.
Implications:
One of the most important studies evaluated the benefits associated with cannabis use in patients with fibromyalgia. Their conclusion was clear: “Patients who use cannabis not only helps relieve pain and almost all associated symptoms, but also no one reported worsening after consumption”.
Also in a recent online survey by the National Pain Foundation in the United States, which involved more than 1300 patients with fibromyalgia, the result appointed cannabis as the most effective for symptoms treatment, beating all drugs on prescription (Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella). Morgan Freeman the actor said that medical with medicinal cannabis after a near-fatal car accident in 1997. Since then he has suffered from fibromyalgia on his left arm: “I have chronic pain and the only thing that relieves me is marijuana.”