Most people who have MS know that medical marijuana is a very natural, safe and effective way for people to treat some of the most debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis makes it onto almost every state’s list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana because it is so effective in helping patients with MS live their lives to the fullest and manage their symptoms.
Alabama is still pending a legislative vote, but if medical marijuana passes patients with MS will be on the list to use the treatment!
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve in the eyes. It can cause issues with vision, balance, muscle control amongst other important body functions. This disease causes the immune system to attack myelin, a fatty material that wraps around nerve fibers to protect them. Without myelin, the nerves become damaged and scar tissue forms and hinders the brain’s ability to send signals through the body correctly.
Multiple Sclerosis looks different on everyone. Some people don’t even need treatment because their symptoms are so mild, while others have difficulty walking and performing daily tasks. Common symptoms associated with MS include:
Difficulty walking
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or spasms
Double vision
Tingling and numbness
Poor bowel and bladder control
Sexual dysfunction
Depression
Chronic pain
The exact causes of MS are not fully understood yet, but hereditary genes, smoking and certain viral infections have all been shown to play a role in onset and women are more likely to develop MS than men. A healthy diet, regular exercise and stress reduction are the best ways to reduce symptoms.
Is Multiple Sclerosis a Qualifying Condition in Alabama?
Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common neurological diseases as there are roughly 400,000 Americans living with MS.
One of the most important things about MS is that the earlier you start treatment, the less likely you are to suffer from debilitating symptoms. There is no known cure for MS, but there are prescription medications on the market that help treat MS and its symptoms.
The good news for MS patients who live in Alabama is that legislation is pending and medical marijuana could be on its way!
How Can Medical Marijuana Help Multiple Sclerosis?
Medical marijuana has been shown to help patients find relief from their MS symptoms. The American Academy of Neurology concluded that various THC products are “effective” at treating various issues related to MS, cited in a publication put out on the National MS Society website. The 2014 review included data and results concerning the efficacy of medical marijuana on treating MS and other neurologic diseases, from all research published in peer-reviewed journals at the time. Most available research up to and after the 2014 review shows participants report an improvement in many of their symptoms!
Another study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found that the patients involved in the study who used medical marijuana saw big improvements in muscle stiffness. Improvements were also seen in body pain, sleep quality and spasms. Inflammation of neural tissue is a major factor for MS, and medical marijuana has been shown to have a positive effect on this. Several other investigations have exposed a link between medical marijuana and lower rates of depression among MS patients.
How Can I Raise Awareness about MS?
The National MS Society has plenty of resources, and local chapters like the Alabama Chapter of the MS Society offer ways to connect through group discussions and events. Many offer services that help people who have MS find ways to manage symptoms and social stigmas surrounding neurological diseases.
Walk for MS!
Walk for MS is a national event that takes place annually in cities all over the country. The goal is to provide an opportunity for people to connect, raising awareness as well as funds. Some day, we will find a way to either eradicate or cure MS, and these events further that goal! Below are some local walks that you can register for in Alabama!
Cullman, AL | Apr 10, 2021
Huntsville, AL | Apr 24, 2021
How Do I Get an Alabama Marijuana Card for MS?
Join the thousands of patients who have found relief through the use of therapeutic cannabis!
Alabama Marijuana Card offers medical marijuana evaluations and guidance from trained doctors and staff who are ready to answer your questions right now. Give us a call at (833) 781-5633, or schedule a medical marijuana evaluation appointment online today!
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, and I was a woman of 50. They put me on Rebif which I took until 2017 and was switched to Copaxone. I had two relapses on Rebif, none so far on Copaxone. I do notice my balance was getting worse, and my memory, as well as erectile dysfunction and spasms’ had no choice to sick for other solution and I was introduce to multivitamincare .org which I purchase the MS herbal formula from the foundation, the herbal supplement has effectively get rid of my multiple sclerosis and reversed all symptoms.