Good news for people suffering with multiple sclerosis. The national Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society supports the use of medical cannabis as an adjunctive complementary therapy.
“Oral cannabis extract a synthetic THC (tetrahydrocannabinol—a major active component of cannabis) are probably effective for reducing patient-reported symptoms of spasticity and pain, but not MS-related tremor or spasticity measurable by tests administered by the physician.”
Sativex oral spray (GW Pharmaceuticals) is probably effective for improving patient-reported symptoms of spasticity, pain and urinary frequency, but not bladder incontinence, MS-related tremor or spasticity measurable by tests administered by the physician.
This formulation is an oral mucosal spray containing 2.7 mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 2.5 mg cannabidiol (CBD) + synergistic cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Resulting in a 30% reduction in pain reduces use of opioids.
On their website the Oregon OHSU Multiple Sclerosis Center recommends adjunctive complementary therapies for MS. Therapies such as acupuncture, Tai Chi and diet can be used alongside medical treatments and oral cannabis extracts: Cannabis in pill form and oral mucosal cannabinoid spray can lessen muscle stiffness and pain and can reduce muscle pain caused by stiffness (spasticity) and reduce symptoms such as frequent urination.
This is in support of the common types of pharmaceutical medications like muscle relaxants or sedatives for tremors, stiffness and spasms and bladder relaxants for incontinence or overactive bladder.
The medical cannabis used in these studies are not available in the U.S. The FDA has yet to approve Sativex spray.
Fortunately, there are similar one to one THC/CBD terpene rich herbal botanical cannabis products available at our local medical dispensaries in the form of tinctures, oral sprays, pills, skin patches and topicals.
In his research, Ethan Russo, MD, a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, details the benefits of cannabis for MS and other chronic medical conditions.
Resources
Oregon OHSU Multiple Sclerosis Center
https://www.ohsu.edu/brain-institute/multiple-sclerosis-and-related-disorders
Montel Williams and Sanjay Gupta M.D.
Who Is Ethan Russo?
https://finestlabs.com/who-is-dr-ethan-russo/
Phase 3 Trial of Sativex, Cannabis Extract Treatment for MS Spasticity, Opens in US https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/news-posts/2020/11/05/sativex-nabiximols-phase-3-trial-cannabis-extract-treatment-ms-spasticity-opens-us/
Disclaimer: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in these materials are intended to supplement, not replace, the medical advice of trained professionals. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. Consult your physician before adopting the medical suggestions in these materials and classes.
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