Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It’s considered an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys myelin — a layer of fatty, insulating tissue that protects the nerves.
MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Nerve pain
- Spasms
- Muscle stiffness
- Problems with vision
- Poor bladder control
- Changes in movement and balance
Cannabis might help some individuals manage symptoms like of MS, including nerve pain and spasms. In fact, a cannabis-based medication called nabiximols (Sativex) has been approved to treat MS-related symptoms in some countries, but it’s not currently available in the United States.
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Research on cannabis and MS
Research suggests people with MS may experience imbalances in the endocannabinoid system.
This system plays a role in bodily functions, such as:
- Mood
- Immunity
- Memory
- Pain
- Muscle function
- Learning
This system is controlled by compounds called cannabinoids. Certain cannabinoids in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG), may help with endocannabinoid system imbalances.
Studies suggests these cannabinoids may be particularly helpful for MS:
- CBD: This non-intoxicating compound may help protect the brain and promote growth of new brain cells. CBD may also help lower MS-related inflammation.
- CBG:Research on CBG suggests it may help reduce brain inflammation.
- THC: In a review of studies on THC for MS, THC was found to reduce spasticity.
There’s also evidence supporting cannabis as a treatment for nerve pain, a common symptom of MS.
More studies are needed to confirm these results and to understand cannabis’s long-term effects on people with MS.
Using cannabis for MS
While some people find that cannabis helps them manage MS symptoms, it may not work for everyone. It’s important to talk with your doctor before trying cannabis for MS.
Benefits
Cannabis may help ease some symptoms of MS, such as:
- Muscle spasms: Cannabis may help relieve muscle stiffness and spasms.
- Pain relief: Cannabis may help relieve nerve pain and improve quality of life.
- Sleep difficulties: Cannabis may help improve sleep problems related to MS.
- Inflammation: Some studies suggest that cannabis can help lower inflammation.
- Poor bladder control: Cannabis may help with certain bladder problems.
Risks and side effects
Cannabis may cause some side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Problems with short-term memory
Before using medical cannabis, it’s important to ask your doctor if it might interfere with any medications you’re taking. Cannabis may interact with some prescription medications, including:
- Antidepressants
- Corticosteroids
- Benzodiazepines
Is it legal?
Cannabis’s legal status varies between states.
However, in every state that has a medical cannabis program, either MS or spasticity is a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card.
Some states also allow authorized caregivers to obtain medical cannabis for minors with MS.
Best strains and products for MS
Cannabis comes in several different product forms, including:
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Vaporizers
- Capsules
There’s no evidence that one product form is more effective for MS than another. Consider your personal needs and preferences to choose the product that works best for you.
Strains (aka cultivars)
Some cannabis strains might be especially helpful for managing symptoms of MS, including:
- Pennywise may help relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
- Sour Tsunami may help with sleep, pain, and muscle spasms.
- ACDC may help ease nerve pain and insomnia.
- Granddaddy Purple may be helpful for chronic pain, muscle spasms, and poor sleep, but it can be highly intoxicating, so start with a low dose.
While these are commonly recommended for MS, you may find that certain strains with higher amounts of THC or CBD help you with your specific symptoms.
THC:CBD ratios
Sativex is a cannabis-based MS medication that’s not approved in the U.S. It contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC.
Clinical studies on Sativex show that a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio can help with MS symptoms, including spasticity, pain, and poor sleep.
While other ratios may also be effective, they haven’t been explored in studies.
- A high-CBD, low-THC ratio may help ease muscle spasms and anxiety without causing strong intoxicating effects.
- A high-THC, low-CBD ratio may be more helpful for insomnia and chronic or severe pain, but may cause intoxication, especially in new users.
Terpenes
Cannabis and other plants contain terpenes, which are compounds that affect a plant’s smell, taste, and effects.
Studies show that certain cannabis terpenes may help reduce some symptoms of MS:
- Beta-caryophyllene may help reduce inflammation and nerve pain.
- Pinene may help lower inflammation.
- Myrcene may promote sleep and relaxation, and lower pain levels.
Some cannabis strains contain higher amounts of these terpenes than others. Ask a Leafwell provider or a budtender at your local dispensary to help you choose cannabis products that are high in these terpenes.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are natural compounds that affect a plant’s taste and effects.
Some flavonoids in cannabis have been shown to reduce inflammation in experimental studies on MS. They include:
Other flavonoids in cannabis that may be helpful include:
- Cannflavins A, B, and C may help lower inflammation and help with some symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as MS.
- Quercetin may help reduce or reverse the breakdown of the myelin sheath that protects your nerves, which can occur in people with MS.
More about multiple sclerosis
Almost 1 million people in the U.S. have MS. It’s the most common progressive neurological disease in young adults worldwide.
Your doctor can diagnose MS using blood tests and MRI scans. There’s no cure for MS, but treatments exist to help you manage your symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.
Other treatments for MS
There are several treatment options for MS, including traditional and alternative therapies.
Traditional therapies
After receiving a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend:
- Medications: Common ones include corticosteroids and disease-modifying medications.
- Chemotherapy: Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) may be prescribed to help suppress your immune system.
- Physical therapy: Light exercises and stretches may help improve movement and muscle strength.
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet and exercise can help improve your overall well-being.
Natural and alternative therapies
Other natural and alternative treatments for MS include:
- Acupuncture: Some people find that acupuncture helps relieve pain.
- Dietary supplements: Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may slow the progression of MS.
- Meditation and yoga: These practices may help ease anxiety and muscle stiffness.
Cannabis as part of your treatment plan for MS
Cannabis may be a helpful addition to your MS treatment plan. Evidence shows that cannabis can help with common MS symptoms such as pain, insomnia, spasms, and muscle stiffness.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using cannabis, especially if you’re already taking medication.
With a medical cannabis card, you can access cannabis legally. Contact Leafwell to start the process of getting your medical card today and work with a provider to build a personalized care plan.
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading to learn more about cannabis for MS.
Can cannabis help with MS pain?
Studies show that cannabis may help relieve MS-related symptoms like chronic pain, nerve pain, spasms, bladder problems, and muscle stiffness.
What strain of marijuana is good for MS?
Cannabis strains with a balanced CBD:THC ratio are commonly recommended for MS symptoms. However, each person reacts to cannabis differently, and it can take some trial and error to find the strain that works best for you.
Is medical cannabis covered by insurance for MS?
That depends on your location and healthcare plan. While most insurance providers don’t cover medical cannabis, some do.
Get your medical marijuana card
Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.
Larger purchase limits Access to higher potency strains Save up to 40% on product taxes Enhanced legal protection
