Medical Marijuana may Alleviate Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

The medical uses for marijuana are varied and new medicinal uses are being established frequently.

Recently, our Los Angeles marijuana lawyers have seen information regarding how medicinal marijuana may help patients with multiple sclerosis.

The debate for legalization could be swayed heavily by the continuing research that shows patients suffering from many diseases can experience relief from medicinal marijuana.

This could be a positive for many California residents who may benefit from using medical marijuana. According to a new report from Fox News, medical marijuana could have serious implications for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease which attacks the body’s immune system and eats away at the protective covering of nerves. The damage to the protective covering results in interference with the communication between your spinal cord, brain and other parts of your body.

In the end, the condition could result in a deterioration of the nerves themselves. Once this occurs, it is impossible to reverse.

The journal Neurology recently published guidelines that suggest that medical marijuana could help relieve symptoms and pain. However, the ongoing problem is that there are no effective guidelines to determine just how effective medical marijuana really is.

In the recent report, researchers from Harvard Medical School and elsewhere reviewed several therapy studies based on what is known as CAM, or complementary or alternative medicine.

The examination included medical marijuana, bee stings, ginkgo biloba, and reflexology, which are all on a list provided by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

The researchers examined more than 2,600 studies, and the consensus was that there is evidence that particular medical marijuana products could be helpful for those you suffer from multiple sclerosis.

The review also noted there were some MS sufferers who experienced negative side effects, but what that tells us is that, like most medications, medical marijuana may not be for everyone.

Ultimately, the best thing for MS sufferers is to discuss their symptoms and concerns with their physician. In states like California where medical marijuana is legal, it is equally as important for physicians to understand the different forms of medical marijuana, and work closely with their patients to be sure that they are getting the best care possible.

Study reviews like this one offer promising data to support the suggestion that medical marijuana has a place in many states. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CAM therapies, so patients choosing to investigate these options should be aware that the guidelines are unclear.

California physicians have the daunting task of, not only caring for their patients, but also staying abreast of changing legislation and being aware of local, state, and federal regulations regarding medical marijuana.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Diseases and Conditions – Multiple Sclerosis, By Mayo Clinic Staff.

More Blog Entries:

Lawmakers Debate Tighter Marijuana Laws – In Colorado Too!, February 19, 2014, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog
Mother Fighting for Cannabis-Based Cancer Treatment, February 7, 2014, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog