Cannabis is effective form for treating many symptoms that patients with neurodegenerative disorders endure, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it is unknown whether cannabis will alter the course of ALS and there are no studies at this time that would suggest a neuroprotective effect of cannabinoids with ALS. ALS is not a disease, but a highly variable syndrome that encompasses different genetically distinct disorders. Some 80 to 85 percent of ALS cases are not inherited. The diseases grouped together as ALS have in common a progressive loss of muscle strength that begins with twitching and spasms, and often leads to death from respiratory failure and weight loss.

 

ALS is a degenerative neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness, wasting, and paralysis of the limbs, as well as those that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing, and breathing. It is often the deterioration of these crucial muscles that leads to respiratory failure; even with breathing aids or a tracheotomy, the risk of respiratory failure persists. The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is 1 to 10 years. Nerve damage in ALS is caused by two significant factors: oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Cannabis shows promise as an aid in managing some of the nerve damage, as it has been shown to generally address both factors, though specific studies on ALS and cannabis have yet to be done. Cannabis is a known antioxidant and helps to decrease the nerve tissue damage that free radicals can cause. CBD and THC both decrease the release of glutamate, thus sparing the neurons from excitotoxicity and cell death. There are many other medical benefits from using medical marijuana.

 

At present, there is an absence of clinical trials investigating the use of cannabinoids as a disease-modifying therapy for ALS. However, preclinical models indicate that cannabinoids may hold the potential to delay ALS progression, lending support to anecdotal reports by patients that cannabinoids may be efficacious in moderating the disease’s development and in alleviating certain ALS-related symptoms such as pain, appetite loss, spasticity, depression and drooling. Presently, there is no cure for ALS. The management of the condition focuses on treating symptoms and providing supportive care. The ultimate goal in the management of ALS is improving quality of life and prolonging survival.

 

ALS is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Florida and patients that suffer from this diagnosis can come to All Natural MD in Florida for a consultation to obtain their Florida marijuana card. At All Natural MD in Florida we make it as easy to secure your medical marijuana card in Florida.

 

The following information is for educational purposes only. All Natural MD in Florida provides this information strictly as an understanding of the potential health benefits of medical marijuana. Patients living with one of the approved Florida Medical Marijuana Registry Program State approved qualifying conditions. If you or someone you know lives in Lakeland Florida or any other area of Florida and is suffering from a debilitating medical condition, please contact All Natural MD Florida to find a location nearest to you to learn more or get started or you medical marijuana card in Florida today.

Lakeland Marijuana Doctors & ID Cards

1102 Florida Ave S Suite 102,

Lakeland, FL 33803

Call (800) 250-6737

All Natural Medical Solutions – Now All Natural MD advances medical marijuana doctor recommendations to qualified patients in Lakeland and throughout the State of Florida. Contact All Natural MD in Florida today.