Using CBD for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that has a significant impact on quality of life. Many turn to CBD to ease their pain and improve their quality of life. Although cannabinoids are not yet incorporated into MS treatments in France, research is encouraging.

Multiple sclerosis and its impact

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells is lost. The gradual disappearance of this protective sleeve has a huge impact on the health of those affected: pain, intense fatigue, muscle spasticity, sensory deficits, paralysis, etc. These conditions gradually reduce patients’ mobility and affect their quality of life. For example, it is common for people with multiple sclerosis to suffer from depression and insomnia.

Conventional medical treatments available on the market do not cure multiple sclerosis, but simply aim to alleviate symptoms to allow patients to benefit from a better quality of life. Unfortunately, these treatments have side effects.

This is why many patients are looking for alternative solutions, such as CBD. Some international studies show that cannabinoids have a positive impact on MS patients. Here are some of them.

CBD is a neuroprotective substance

Laboratory studies suggest that CBD may provide protection against neuro inflammation, which causes all the symptoms of MS. In 2013, Professor Mecha published a study on a viral model of multiple sclerosis showing that cannabidiol provides protection against damage caused by inflammation.

Other researchers have more specifically studied the influence of CBD on inflammatory markers characteristic of MS. Again, the results are encouraging. Research in 2011 showed that cannabinoids reduce the activity of inflammatory markers typical of multiple sclerosis in the microglial cells of the brain.

Even if CBD’s mechanisms of action on neuron protection is not understood, this research is promising. This is especially true as studies on people with MS confirm the health benefits of cannabinoid consumption.

CBD and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis.

Outside France, some countries have authorised Sativex, a drug containing cannabinoids, for patients suffering from neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. A large double-blind study monitored 572 patients with multiple sclerosis whose spasticity was resistant to conventional treatments. The administration of cannabinoids in the form of Sativex not only reduced the patients’ spasticity but also improved their sleep and general well-being.

Other meta-analyses have also shown that using medical cannabis is beneficial in the long term for people with multiple sclerosis. By reducing spasticity, cannabinoids allow a certain amount of mobility to be maintained. CBD also acts on pain in the central nervous system and improves patients’ quality of life.

If you suffer from multiple sclerosis, consuming CBD can therefore be a beneficial solution for improving life with the disease. However, it is advisable to check with your doctor to prevent any interactions with your current treatment.