Can medical marijuana treat ALS?

If you’re wondering if medical marijuana can be used to treat ALS, you’re certainly not alone. More than 30,000 Americans suffer from ALS, and they are looking for an effective treatment with little to no side effects. In this blog, we’ll explore the background of this medical condition, how medical marijuana can help, and how to make the most of your medical marijuana treatment.

What is ALS?

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a neurodegenerative disease. ALS affects the motor neurons of the spinal cord and the nerve cells in the brain. ALS most commonly causes progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles, and this is due to muscles not getting enough nourishment. This progressive muscle weakness is the most common symptom of ALS, and other symptoms can vary, such as having a hard time grabbing things, muscle fatigue, tripping, impaired speech, and muscle spasms. This disease affects about 6,000 Americans each year. 

What does the research say about medical marijuana and ALS?

While there is no cure for this disease, medical marijuana can improve the quality of life for people who suffer from ALS. There is ample research to support this claim.  However, since marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug under federal law, it is unfortunately difficult to compile research of all its healing aspects. But still, Kentucky medical marijuana doctors want patients to know that there are some important benefits.

There’s some research showing medical marijuana can help alleviate symptoms of ALS.

Research shows that medical marijuana relieves some ALS symptoms and helps with chronic pain caused from it. Preclinical research on lab mice indicates that medical marijuana can reduce inflammation and protect the brain. Furthermore, muscle stiffness and spasms caused by ALS affect one’s ability to move properly. Our Kentucky medical marijuana doctors recommend using marijuana to help slow the progression of ALS and assist in alleviating symptoms. 

Researchers also note that medical marijuana helps with appetite and sleep issues. Studies show that medical marijuana could help alleviate ALS symptoms, such as muscle spasms, without the side effects that come with prescription drugs. California Pacific Medical Center did research that shows that THC slows the progression of ALS and can even extend a patient’s life by three years or more! 

How should I use medical marijuana to best treat my ALS?

Medical marijuana comes in many forms, including edibles you can eat.

Getting your Kentucky cannabis certification doesn’t mean a patient must smoke in order to use it; medical cannabis comes in many forms, such as edibles or a topical treatment. If you do choose to smoke medical marijuana, our Kentucky medical marijuana doctors do recommend certain marijuana strains that have unique qualities and benefits. 

For instance, many budtenders say the best strains to treat muscle spasms and pain include Arctic Blue, Super Sour OG, and Blue Wreck. There are also strains recommended to help with the fatigue that comes with ALS, such as Blue Dream and Sour Diesel. Lastly, Kentucky cannabis doctors note that ALS can take an emotional toll on patients, and so some strains that help relieve depression and anxiety include Girl Scout Cookies, Granddaddy Purple, and Lemon Haze. 

What’s Next?

At the Kentucky Cannabis Clinic, we want the best for our patients, and we want to make sure people are getting the medicine they need! The Kentucky Cannabis Clinic can help you or anyone you know who is diagnosed with ALS get legal with their Kentucky medical marijuana certification. Give our office a call at (502) 818-0420 so we can set up a time for you to speak with one of our Kentucky medical marijuana doctors to get you certified for medical marijuana use.