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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (abbreviated MS, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata) is an autoimmune conditioncentral nervous system, leading to demyelination. Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in females. It has a prevalence that ranges between 2 and 150 per 100,000. MS was first described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot. in which the immune system attacks the

MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body’s own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals. The name multiple sclerosis refers to scars (scleroses – better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which is mainly composed of myelin. Although much is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the cause remains unknown. Theories include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found.

(Wikipedia)

Notable Persons Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Marijuana:

• Montel Williams
  After using Percocets, Vicodin, and Oxycontin (to name a few), Montel found that Marijuana was the most efficient medicine to ease his pain. Montel is an advocate for the legalization of medicinal marijuana; specifically, allowing an educated, licensed doctor to recommend what they feel will help their patients the best. (Source)

Marijuana Facts and Resources:

• Sativex in patients with symptoms of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis
  “Spasticity of patients who received cannabis and complied with the study protocol was significantly reduced compared to placebo.”
• Marijuana derivatives may provide MS treatment
  “Dr. J. P. Zajicek, from Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth and colleagues previously reported that cannabinoids taken for 14 weeks appeared to improve mobility and patients’ perception of their MS symptoms. In an extension study, 80 percent of subjects agreed to continue on the medication for up to 52 weeks. The results are reported in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.”
  
• Marijuana Helps MS Patients Alleviate Pain, Spasms
  “Cannabis, or marijuana, is an effective drug that can help patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce debilitating pain and muscle spasms, according to a London researcher who presented his findings Sunday at the 10th World Congress on Pain.”
• Cannabis-based medicine in central pain in multiple sclerosis
  “Cannabis-based medicine is effective in reducing pain and sleep disturbance in patients with multiple sclerosis related central neuropathic pain and is mostly well tolerated.”
• Cannabis-based medicine in spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis
  “Significantly reduction in spasticity”
• Sativex in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis associated detrusor overactivity
  “A significant reduction in the number of voids per day and during the night.”
• The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis
  “Cannabis and dronabinol caused a significant reduction in incontinence”
• Nabilone significantly reduces spasticity-related pain
  “Significant reduction of pain”
• Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis (CAMS) study
  “Spasticity in the Ashworth scale was significantly reduced by an average of 1.82 in the THC group; no significant reduction in the cannabis group”
• Sativex produced significant improvements in a subjective measure of spasticity
  “Beneficial effects of cannabis on spasticity in MS seem to be maintained over long-term treatment, with no evidence of tolerance.”
• Cannabis-based medicine in central pain in multiple sclerosis.
  “Cannabis is effective in reducing pain and sleep disturbance in patients with multiple sclerosis related central neuropathic pain”
• Do cannabis-based medicinal extracts have general or specific effects
  “Spasticity scores were significantly reduced by cannabis.”
• Efficacy, safety and tolerability of an oral cannabis extract in the treatment of spasticity
  “Significant reduction in spasm frequency in the 37 patients who received at least 90% of the dose.”
• Cannabis-based extracts for bladder dysfunction in advanced multiple sclerosis.
  “Urinary urgency, the number and volume of incontinence episodes, frequency and nocturia all decreased.”
• Are oral cannabinoids safe and effective in refractory neuropathic pain?
  “No significant decraese of pain in 7 patients, more than 60% decrease in one patient”
• Dronabinol in the treatment of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease with anorexia
  “Weight gain in all, reduction of agitation in 65%.”
• Cannabis based medicinal extracts (CBME) in central neuropathic pain due to multiple sclerosis.
  “Significant reduction in pain”
• Cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis
  “No effect of cannabinoids on spasticity as measured by the Ashworth scale, while patient-reported spasticity and pain decreased.”
• Cannabis based medicinal extract on refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction
  “Mean maximum cystometric capacity increased”
• Analgesic effect of the cannabinoid analogue nabilone
  “The VAS (initial value: 8 ) started to decrease 10 min after oral nabilone was taken and dropped to 0 (no pain) after 120 min; it remained unchanged for an additional 120 min and then started to return. At the time the patient left (260 min after oral nabilone intake), the pain was still reduced (VAS: 5).”
• The perceived effects of smoked cannabis on patients with multiple sclerosis.
  “In more than 80% improvement of spasticity, pain, tremor, depression, anxiety, and paresthesia”
• Orally and rectally administered delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on spasticity
  “improvement of joint function and ability to walk; in 1 patient additional alleviation of pain”
• Nabilone in the treatment of multiple sclerosis
  “improvement of muscle spasms and frequency of nocturia”
• Effect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple sclerosis.
  “improvement of tremor, spasticity and ataxia”
• Delta-9-THC in the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
  “significant subjective improvement in spasticity at doses of 7.5 mg and above; no objective improvement”
• Tetrahydrocannabinol for tremor in multiple sclerosis.
  “2 patients with objective improvement, 5 with subjective improvement”
• Cannabis-based medicine in spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis.
  “We conclude that this CBM may represent a useful new agent for treatment of the symptomatic relief of spasticity in MS.”
• Cannabis based treatments for neuropathic and multiple sclerosis-related pain.
  “Cannabinoids including the cannabidiol/THC buccal spray are effective in treating neuropathic pain in MS.”
• The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis
  “The findings are suggestive of a clinical effect of cannabis on incontinence episodes in patients with MS. This is in contrast to the negative finding of the CAMS study, where no difference was seen in the primary outcome of spasticity.”
• Can Cannabis Help Multiple Sclerosis? An International Debate Rages
  “More current research validates the promise of cannabis or cannabinoids (endogenous or exogenous) both to treat the symptoms of MS and to delay its progression. Much of the current research has been conducted oversees (Scotland, England, Spain) due to the refusal of the United States Government to allow cannabis research to any significant degree.”
• Cannabis’ Potential Exciting Researchers in Treatment of ALS, Parkinson’s Disease (PDF Warning)
  “Researchers have learned that endogenous cannabinoids, internal brain chemicals that activate the system, play a role in tissue protection, immunity and inflammation, among other functions. The cannabinoid system also appears to exert wide influence, modulating the release of dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters.”
• The endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in multiple sclerosis
  “Our study suggests that targeting the endocannabinoid system might be useful for the treatment of MS.”
• Cannabinoids inhibit neurodegeneration in models of multiple sclerosis
  “Following actively, spinal cord homogenate-induced CREAE, ABH mice develop a relapsing-remitting disease progression of distinct paralytic disease episodes followed by remission with an increasing residual deficit”
• Cannabis could hold the key to ending multiple sclerosis misery
  “The findings, published online today (1 April, 2007) in Nature Medicine demonstrates for the first time how cannabis might actually slow down the progression of MS and could have major implications for the estimated 2.5 million sufferers worldwide.”
• Cannabinoids inhibit neurodegeneration in models of multiple sclerosis
  “…in addition to symptom management, cannabis may also slow the neurodegenerative processes that ultimately lead to chronic disability in multiple sclerosis and probably other diseases.”
  
• Therapeutic Action of Cannabinoids in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis
  “Overall, the data presented may have potential therapeutic implications in demyelinating pathologies such as MS; in particular, the possible involvement of cannabinoid receptor CB2 would enable nonpsychoactive therapy suitable for long-term use.”
• Cannabinoid control of neuroinflammation related to multiple sclerosis.
  “In experimental studies it has been recently shown that synthetic cannabinoids can affect the immune response both indirectly via CB1 receptor-mediated signalling nerve centres controlling the systemic release of immunosuppressive molecules and directly by CB2 receptor-mediated inhibition of lymphocyte and macrophage/microglial cell function.”
• Therapeutic action of cannabinoid on axonal injury induced by peroxynitrite
  “We observed that HU210 dramatically reduced peroxynitrite-induced axonal injury in rats receiving adrenalectomy and corticosterone replacement treatment.”
• The use of cannabinoids in MS: is it evidence based? (PDF Warning)
  “Maybe the use of endocannabinoids that stimulate the receptors without inducing psychoactive effects will be future options for cannabinoid therapy.”
• Therapeutic Aspects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
  “Cannabis and some cannabinoids are effective antiemetics and analgesics and reduce intraocular pressure. There is evidence of symptom relief and improved well-being in selected neurological conditions, AIDS and certain cancers. Cannabinoids may reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Anticonvulsant activity requires clarification. Other properties identified by basic research await evaluation. Standard treatments for many relevant disorders are unsatisfactory.”
• Whether whole plant Cannabis extracts can improve intractable neurogenic symptoms? (PDF Warning)
  “CBD CME significantly improved pain, THC CME significantly improved pain, muscle spasm, spasticity and appetitie, and THC:CBD significantly improved muscle spasm and sleep. All three CME produced improvements in other parameters in comparison with placebo that did not reach statistical significance.”
• Emerging properties of Cannabinoid medicines in the management of MS (PDF Warning)
  “What is the evidence for therapeutic benefits of cannabis in MS? Animal studies in experimental models of MS have demonstrated the efficacy of CB1 receptor agonism in the treatment of pathological signs, notably spasticity and in some instances limb tremor”
• Cannabis use in Spanish patients with multiple sclerosis
  “Almost half of our MS patients had tried cannabis at some time. However, medicinal use was low and clinical improvement after cannabis use was only reported by a subset of patients. Overall, MS patients were highly motivated for a future medically controlled use.”
• Cannabis May Halt Progression Of Multiple Sclerosis
  “Recent clinical trials may indeed suggest that cannabis has some potential to relieve, pain, spasms and spasticity in MS,” authors wrote. “In addition, CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptor stimulation may also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. Therefore cannabinoids may not only offer symptom control but may also slow the neurodegenerative disease progression that ultimately leads to the accumulation of disability.”
  

Anecdotal:

• Marihuana as a therapeutic agent for muscle spasm or spasticity
  “Relief from spasticity and pain”
• Cuppa Gives A Better ‘ooh’
  “Relaxing with a cuppa has taken on a whole new dimension for members of a city charity, who have spent the past three months testing out CANNABIS TEA.”
• Montel Williams addressing a crowd regarding his use of marijuana