Cannabis Revealed: How the world's most misunderstood plant is treating everything from chronic pain to epilepsy. by Bonni Goldstein

Author:Bonni Goldstein [Goldstein, Bonni]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: MED004000 MEDICAL Alternative and Complementary Medicine
ISBN: 9780998141312
Published: 2017-01-22T23:00:00+00:00

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss, paralysis and death within 2–5 years of diagnosis. Also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, there is currently no treatment for this devastating disease.

The cause of ALS is unknown, but it is thought to be a result of damage to motor neurons by a nervous system gone haywire. There are a number of theories as to the possible causes of ALS, including autoimmune disease (the body’s immune system attacks the brain cells and kills them), chemical imbalance of a neurotransmitter (the neurotransmitter glutamate builds up and is toxic to neurons) or abnormal accumulation of protein (which kills brain cells).

Since phytocannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and have been shown to delay the progression of neurodegenerative disease in mice, recent research has looked at how cannabinoids may help in ALS. Type 2 cannabinoid receptors were found to be increased in motor neurons in mice with a type of “mice ALS.”1 When these mice were given injections of synthetic cannabinoid targeting the type 2 cannabinoid receptors, their survival time was increased.2,3,4 These findings are promising, but more research is warranted to determine which cannabinoids and what doses would be most effective in delaying damage and potentially halting ALS progression.

Many patients suffering with ALS have poor quality of life with pain, muscle spasms, wasting, trouble breathing, drooling, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Cannabis can help all of these symptoms as it works as a pain reliever, muscle relaxant, appetite stimulant, bronchodilator (opens up the lungs), sleep and mood enhancer. Because it causes drying of the mouth, it also helps with excess drooling and secretions. I have successfully treated patients with ALS who have reported improved quality of life as their debilitating symptoms are lessened. These patients found good results with THC-rich cannabis delivered by vaporizer, edibles or sublingual tinctures. Some ALS patients may also choose to add CBD to their regimen to help with spasticity and mood.

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