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Medical Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis

Topic: Living With Chronic Pain

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). MS occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which is a protective covering around nerve fibers. This leads to nerve damage, which can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and chronic pain. While there is no cure for MS, there are various treatments available that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. One such treatment that has gained attention in recent years is medicinal cannabis.

Medicinal cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating a range of symptoms associated with MS. One of the most significant symptoms of MS is spasticity, which refers to involuntary muscle contractions that can cause stiffness, spasms, and pain. Medicinal cannabis has been found to be effective in reducing spasticity, which can improve mobility and quality of life for MS patients.

In addition to spasticity, medicinal cannabis has also been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain associated with MS. Chronic pain can be debilitating and can impact a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Medicinal cannabis can help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life for MS patients.

Medicinal cannabis may also be beneficial in reducing fatigue, which is a common symptom of MS. Cannabis can have a stimulating effect that can help increase energy levels and improve mental clarity. This can help MS patients manage fatigue and carry out daily activities.

Sativex is an oral spray formulation of THC and CBD that has been approved by Health Canada and is used to treat conditions like MS and cancer-related pain. It has been approved as an adjuvant therapy for adult MS patients with spasticity who have not responded well to previous treatments. When used together, THC and CBD have been found to have a synergistic effect, meaning that they work better together than they do separately.

Did you know that many Canadian insurance providers offer coverage for medicinal cannabis? Visit our Guide to Medical Cannabis Reimbursement.

While medicinal cannabis may be effective in treating symptoms associated with MS, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the disease. MS is a complex condition, and there is no single treatment that can address all its symptoms. Medicinal cannabis should be use in conjunction with other treatments, such as disease-modifying therapies and physical therapies, to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Medicinal cannabis is not without risks and side effects, and it is important to speak with a health care provider before using it as a treatment for MS. Cannabis can have psychoactive effects, and it may interact with other medications.

Need help getting a medicinal cannabis treatment pan for multiple sclerosis? Book an appointment here.

References

Baker D, Pryce G, Croxford JL, Brown P, Pertwee RG, Huffman JW, Layward L. Cannabinoids control spasticity and tremor in a multiple sclerosis model. Nature 2000 03/02;404(0028-0836; 0028-0836; 6773):84-7.  

Centonze D, Rossi S, Finazzi-Agro A, Bernardi G, Maccarrone M. The (endo)cannabinoid system in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Int Rev Neurobiol 2007;82(0074-7742; 0074-7742):171-86.  

Di Filippo M, Pini LA, Pelliccioli GP, Calabresi P, Sarchielli P. Abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid levels of endocannabinoids in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatr 2008 11;79(1468-330; 0022-3050; 11):1224-9.  

Jean-Gilles L, Feng S, Tench CR, Chapman V, Kendall DA, Barrett DA, Constantinescu CS. Plasma endocannabinoid levels in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2009 12/15;287(1878-5883; 0022-510; 1-2):212-5.

Sativex (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD)) [product monograph]. Cambridge (United Kingdom): GW Pharma Ltd; 2019.  

Previous Article
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is a type of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. CBG, like CBD, is non-intoxicating (it does not get you high) and can be used as an alternative or supplement to CBD and THC-based cannabis products. It is known as the "mother of all cannabinoids" and is a remarkably versatile compound with significant therapeutic promise. Here are several areas where CBG has shown potential therapeutic effects in preclinical animal studies: -        Neurological illnesses such as Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) -        Gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -        Chemotherapy-induced nausea and cachexia -        Antibacterial agent Although this research into CBG has shown promise, there is still much to understand and more research on its efficacy and long-term effects is required. How is CBG used today? A team of American scientists recently examined the perceived therapeutic effects of consuming CBG-dominant products in humans (see Figure 1 below). Anxiety (51.2%), chronic pain (40.9%), depression (33.1%), and insomnia (30.7%) were the most frequent medical conditions reported to show efficacy. In addition, a significant proportion of people reported stopping taking the top three drug classes—antidepressants, non-opioid analgesics, and proton pump inhibitors. The most frequent side effects were dry eyes, dry mouth, sleepiness, and increased appetite. Why is CBG so exciting? Anxiety appears to be one of the most common indications for CBG, with patients reporting benefit. And anxiety can be difficult to treat because some anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, are not widely accepted and might have negative health consequences such as addiction, memory loss, etc. Can CBG be an alternative for anxiety? It is certainly a desirable alternative. While preclinical and clinical studies indicate its efficacy in various conditions, further research is necessary to fully understand CBGs therapeutic potential and optimize its use as a medicinal agent. Please contact our client care team at 1-844-756-7333 or speak to your healthcare practitioner if you have any questions about Starseed’s CBG products. [1] Russo, E. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: no “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9 (1969), 1-8. [2] Russo, E. (2021, November 4). CBG: The Up & Coming Cannabinoid [Webinar]. CReDO Science. https://credo-science.com/cbg-the-up-coming-cannabinoid/ [3] (Gaoni & Mechoulam, 1964) [4] Russo, E.B., Cuttler C., Cooper, Z.D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V.L., & Sexton, M. (2022). Survey of patients employing cannabigerol-predominant cannabis preparations: perceived medical effects, adverse events, and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 7 (5), 706-716. Nachnani, R., Raup-Konsavage, W.M., & Vrana, K.E. (2021). The pharmacological case for cannabigerol (CBG). The journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics., 376(2), 204-212. Retrieved from https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/jpet/376/2/204.full.pdf
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Brain Injury Awareness Month in Canada
Every year, countless lives are forever changed by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can occur suddenly, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. In Canada, the month of June is dedicated to raising awareness about brain injuries and the impact they have on individuals, families, and communities. Brain Injury Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the need for education, support, and prevention strategies to mitigate the devastating consequences of these injuries. Brain injuries are complex and debilitating conditions that can have a profound impact on a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. TBIs have a wide range of causes, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, workplace accidents, and assaults. The challenges can interfere with one's ability to function in daily life, in relationships, at work, or in social situations. The burden extends beyond the individual to their loved ones who support and care for them. Both the survivor and their family members may experience greater stress and isolation as a result of the significant physical, mental, and financial toll. The Potential of Medicinal Cannabis in Brain Injury Recovery Pain, insomnia, and anxiety are three interrelated symptoms of brain injuries known as the "pain triad," and medicinal cannabis could treat all three symptoms simultaneously without the negative side effects associated with some medications. 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Medicinal cannabis has been widely acknowledged for its pain-relieving properties and has shown promise in managing various conditions, including neuropathic pain often experienced by individuals with brain injuries. 4.     Emotional stress management: Many individuals with brain injuries experience mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. Some studies suggest that certain cannabinoids, notably THC and CBD, may provide potential relief for these symptoms. 5.     Sleep aid: Brain injuries can disrupt the normal sleep-wake cycle, leading to various sleep disturbances. Cannabinoids (such as CBD, THC and CBN) may have both sleep-promoting and wakefulness-inducing properties. Did you know that many Canadian insurance providers cover the use of medicinal cannabis to treat chronic neuropathic pain? Visit our Guide to Medical Cannabis Reimbursement. While the potential for medicinal cannabis in brain injury recovery is an exciting area of research, more scientific evidence is needed to establish effectiveness, safety, and optimal utilization. Individuals considering medicinal cannabis as a supplementary therapy should consult with their healthcare provider. Need help getting a medicinal cannabis treatment plan for a brain injury? Book an appointment here. References: Aychman, M. M., Goldman, D. L., & Kaplan, J. S. (2023). Cannabidiol’s neuroprotective properties and potential treatment of traumatic brain injuries. Frontiers in Neurology, 14. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1087011/full Lins, B.R., Anyaegbu, C.C., Hellewell, S.C., Papini, M., McGonigle, T., et al. (2023). Cannabinoids in traumatic brain injury and related neuropathologies: preclinical and clinical research on endogenous, plant-derived, and synthetic compounds. Journal of Inflammation, 20, 77, 1-21. Retrieved from https://jneuroinflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12974-023-02734-9#:~:text=Cannabinoids%20interact%20with%20neurons%2C%20microglia,management%20of%20traumatic%20brain%20injury. Mechoulam, R. (2002). Cannabinoids and brain injury: therapeutic implications. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 8(2), 58–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1471-4914(02)02276-1 Schurman, L.D., & Lichtman, A.H. (2017). Endocannabinoids: a promising impact for traumatic brain injury. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 69. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5314139/pdf/fphar-08-00069.pdf. Scuderi, C., Steardo, L., & Esposito, G. (2013). Cannabidiol Promotes Amyloid Precursor Protein Ubiquitination and Reduction of Beta Amyloid Expression in SHSY5YAPP+Cells Through PPARγ Involvement. Phytotherapy Research, 28(7), 1007–1013. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5095

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