3 Scientifically Proven Benefits
of Marijuana for ALS
Medical Marijuana and ALS
ALS is a devastating disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to complete paralysis, with patients unable to speak or move on their own. It’s also often fatal with life expectancy being two to five years from diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments for ALS. However, its symptoms can be managed with medicine. One of the newest medicines being used to treat the symptoms of ALS is marijuana. In this post, we will look at the three benefits of marijuana for ALS that have been scientifically proven!
1. Marijuana Can Help Reduce Muscle Spasms and Treat Insomnia
One of the most common symptoms of ALS is muscle spasms. These can be extremely painful and disrupt daily activities.
Marijuana has been shown to help reduce muscle spasms in patients with ALS. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, cannabis oil was found to be effective in reducing muscle spasms and pain in patients with ALS. The oil was also able to improve sleep quality and mood.
Another big challenge for people with ALS is insomnia. Many patients have difficulty falling or staying asleep. This can lead to fatigue, which makes daily activities even more difficult.
Marijuana has been shown to help improve sleep quality in patients with various illnesses, including ALS. This is likely due to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress levels. In one study, marijuana was found to be an effective treatment for insomnia in patients with ALS. It was able to improve sleep duration and quality, as well as daytime fatigue levels.
2. Marijuana Can Help Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are common in patients with ALS. They can be caused by the disease itself, as well as by the changes in lifestyle that come with it.
Marijuana has been shown to help reduce both anxiety and depression in patients with ALS. This is likely due to its ability to increase dopamine levels. Dopamine is the body’s “feel-good” chemical. It plays an important role in our mood and motivation levels.
Furthermore, another study reports that marijuana can help reduce depression by increasing the release of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mood regulation.
3. Marijuana Can Help Improve Appetite
One of the biggest challenges for patients with ALS is maintaining a healthy weight. Many patients lose weight due to muscle wasting and a poor appetite.
Marijuana has been shown to help improve appetite in patients with various illnesses, including ALS. This is likely due to its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting. In one study, marijuana was found to be an effective treatment for increasing appetite in patients with ALS. It was also able to improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
Marijuana appears to be a promising new treatment option for managing the symptoms of ALS. While more research is needed, these three benefits provide strong evidence that marijuana can help manage the symptoms of ALS.
All that being said, if you are considering marijuana to treat your ALS symptoms, it’s best to consult with your doctor first.