Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that has no known cure. MS is caused by damage to the covering that surrounds nerve cells, the myelin sheath, done by inflammation. The cause of the inflammation is only theorized, and theories vary from genetic to viral to geographic.
Symptoms vary widely because the disease may effect areas of the brain, optic nerve, or spinal cord.
Fatigue is the most common, but symptoms may also include tingling and burning in the extremities, problems with coordination, or may be as severe as trouble with walking or sight.
MS patients experience episodes that may last from days to months. The onset of an episode may be related to many factors including stress, depression, sun-exposure, or fever.
Denver Relief patient Dwaine Witt uses medical marijuana to treat the symptoms and triggers of MS and the side-effects of the pharmaceuticals he takes to slow damage done by the disease.
He uses marijuana for many factors related to MS. “I often feel very fatigued in the afternoon and a good Sativa strain gives me a jolt of energy. Or, sometimes I am given steroids when I have an attack which gets me pretty wired and I need something to clam me down. I rely on marijuana daily to help me function and stay sane.”
Witt also says that marijuana helps him stay positive and relaxed which is vital as stress or depression can result in a flare-up.
According to Americans for Safe Access “Many MS patients report that cannabis has a startling and profound effect on muscle spasms, tremors, balance, bladder control, speech and eyesight. Many wheelchair-bound patients report that they can walk unaided when they have smoked cannabis.”
We are fortunate to live in a state where MS patients have legal access to the benefits of cannabis. Many sufferers of MS must resort to the risk of the black-market to purchase this safe and effective medicine.
If you would like to know more about MS and Cannabis follow these links:
Clinical Trial of MS and Cannabis Based Medicine
