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With the evolution of legalizing cannabis, many people are starting to use cannabidiol or CBD as it has many potential health benefits for users.
It does not make people feel high, unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. People use it for various purposes and illnesses like MS or multiple sclerosis.
If you are looking for the answer to whether CBD can benefit people with Multiple Sclerosis, you are right. In this article, we will primarily look into how cannabinoids can help ms patients to treat and control the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis, how to intake CBD products and if there are any side effects of consuming CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is a non-psychoactive substance obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant, which lacks the psychoactive chemical THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, responsible for the “high” sensation experienced by the users. As a result, it is governed differently than THC-containing marijuana.
CBD is derived from hemp types of the cannabis sativa plant compared to marijuana strains, which contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD is found in many forms. The most common form of cannabinoid is CBD oil. Many CBD oil products, such as Beliebis, are of high quality and have no adverse effects.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS or Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that results in various symptoms such as extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, cognitive impairment and dysfunction, stiffness etc. Symptoms and severity may vary depending on the targeted area and level of damage to the myelin sheath.
As it is an autoimmune disorder, the signs of this illness appear when the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the same way it should be attacking pathogens and viruses.
MS can unfold in various ways, but all the patients experience one common thing: the symptoms of MS significantly influence their quality of daily life. The myelin sheath, which is a protective layer of the brain cells and spinal cord, is targeted by the immune system. And when the immune system attacks this barrier, damage and inflammation occur, which causes the impairment of the nerve signals which facilitates breathing, thinking, movement etc.
Does CBD Help MS Patients?
In the human body, cannabinoids are processed by the cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are located in immune cells and the brain, which is part of the endocannabinoid system that regulates immune function, inflammation, pain, motor control, and other body functions affected by multiple sclerosis. And this connection explains why CBD is believed to be beneficial for patients with MS. CBD regulates the immune response and decreases inflammation.
Many people suffering from MS disease use CBD products to relieve symptoms such as control chronic pain. It is often used as an alternative to habit-forming drugs like opioids.
Though Researchers are still investigating the beneficial properties of CBD for people with MS, preliminary evidence suggests that CBD may help to manage and limit a few vital symptoms of Multiple sclerosis like pain, fatigue, mobility, pain or discomfort related to spasticity nerve, itching and muscle stiffness.
Benefits of CBD for MS
Researchers discovered in a meta-analysis that cannabinoids, which includes CBD, are likely to be beneficial at helping to alleviate some of the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis such as abnormal muscle tightness or pain, but perhaps not much effective at treating bladder problems or muscle tremors.
Additional research backed up the use of CBD for Multiple sclerosis. Here are some of the most important findings:
- According to a scientific review in 2018, CBD supplementation mitigates fatigue, pain, inflammation, spasticity, and depression in patients suffering from MS. It also improves mobility. The study suggested providing CBD medication for MS patients as it would benefit them.
- Also, a scientific review in 2014 found that a nasal spray named Sativex has the potential to reduce spasticity, frequent urination, and pain in people with MS.
- Two different studies on CBD and medical reviews in 2021 have found that cannabinoids help regulate and manage the immune system in animal models. Moreover, it decreases autoimmune response, which is the cause of the multiple sclerosis symptoms.
- More study is needed, but this also means that in the years ahead, cannabis-derived treatments, medications, prescriptions, and CBD may be used to control and manage the progression of multiple sclerosis disease rather than just alleviating the symptoms.
How to Consume CBD?
CBD comes in a variety of forms, such as:
- Tinctures and oils: These liquids are consumed by putting drops beneath the tongue. Both alternatives are suitable for people who have difficulty taking pills.
- Lotions and Creams: Topical cannabidiol products work the best for joint pain or muscle stiffness. Several Specific skin problems can be effectively treated with them. But Topicals are not best suited for whole-body problems such as insomnia.
- Gummies and Capsules: Pills may be appropriate for those experiencing whole-body challenges. Many do not like swallowing pills or capsules. CBD gummies are especially helpful for those who dislike taking capsules or pills.
- Vaping: Because of the potential for adverse health consequences, experts do not recommend taking cannabidiol in this manner.
Are There Any Adverse Effects of CBD?
Cannabidiol is generally recognized as safe, and it has no psychoactive properties or addictive effects. CBD doses of up to 300 mg per day are safe for the highest six months. Higher doses than that are only safe if it is consumed for a minimal time.
Like every other medication and supplement, CBD may cause some side effects like Drowsiness, Lightheadedness, Low blood pressure, Damage to the liver, etc., in some patients. Some may experience diarrhea, fatigue, weight changes, and appetite changes after taking CBD.
Furthermore, it sometimes affects the impact of other drugs and medication. That is why it is suggested to consult with your doctor before consuming and increasing the doses of CBD products. Pregnant and breastfeeding patients need to be more careful before supplementing with cannabidiol.
Final Words
Although the research and studies on CBD’s benefits for Multiple sclerosis are still ongoing and no firm conclusion has been given, CBD definitely shows some potential to be beneficial for alleviating several symptoms of Multiple sclerosis and reducing discomfort related to different MS conditions.
CBD comes in different forms, and you can choose the one you feel comfortable with. Although cannabinoids are safe to consume, consult with your physician before consuming them.
