CBD Oil and Multiple Sclerosis — Can People with MS Benefit from CBD Oil?
According to the MS Society, about 90,000 Canadians have multiple sclerosis. This disabling neurological disease affects 1 in 400 Canadians. And each day, about 12 people in Canada get diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This translates to 4,377 new cases annually.
Medications can reduce its symptoms. But there’s no medication that can cure, treat, or reverse the condition.
Today, CBD is fast becoming one of the most popular alternative or add-on therapies for multiple sclerosis. It relieves many symptoms associated with the condition, and it also helps improve quality of life.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a progressive type of chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the neuron’s myelin sheath, damaging it and affecting the way it normally functions. This results in poor communication between the neurons.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Motor problems
- Incoordination, balance, and walking problems
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Spasticity
- Pain
- Cognitive problems
- Vision problems
- Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
The exact cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. However, genes and environmental factors contribute to its development.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Multiple Sclerosis?
People with multiple sclerosis can benefit from CBD oil in many ways.
For one, CBD has potent anti-inflammation effects. This property helps modulate the immune system’s abnormal response to the myelin sheath. CBD prompts apoptosis or cell death of the immune cells. It also blocks them from sending signals to other immune cells, an effect that prevents proliferation.
Two, it eases chronic nerve pain. CBD stimulates several receptors, not just the endocannabinoid system, responsible for pain control. This includes the serotonin and vanilloid receptors.
Three, CBD also reduces spasticity by relaxing the muscles. This effect, coupled with its analgesic effect, improves mobility in people suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Four, it boosts energy and relieves chronic fatigue. By reducing pain and spasticity and improving mobility, the patient can enjoy a higher energy level.
Five, CBD helps improve sleep. The debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis oftentimes prevent patients from getting good sleep. By reducing these symptoms, the patient is able to enjoy better sleep.
Are There Studies on CBD Oil and Multiple Sclerosis?
We need more research on CBD and multiple sclerosis. However, whatever research studies we have around CBD and multiple sclerosis seem very promising.
A 2009 study showed that the combination of CBD and THC helped reduce spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Although there were some side effects, these were well-tolerated by the participants.
A 2018 research study also noted that CBD was able to relieve muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients. It also improved the mobility of the participants and reduced their chronic fatigue.
Does CBD Oil Produce Side Effects?
Yes, CBD oil for multiple sclerosis also produces side effects. Some of the side effects of CBD oil include:
- Dryness of the eyes
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Bowel movement changes
- Appetite changes
However, these are usually mild and are well-tolerated by CBD users.
Is CBD Oil Addictive?
The answer is no. CBD oil isn’t addictive.
Unlike THC, CBD can’t bind very well to the cannabinoid receptor type 1. This is the main receptor that produces the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Can CBD Cause an Overdose?
The answer is also no.
CBD and other cannabinoids, for that matter, including THC can’t cause an overdose. There aren’t enough cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem to activate. This is the main brain region that controls our heartbeat and breathing.
How to Use CBD Oil for Multiple Sclerosis?
Taking CBD oil for multiple sclerosis may seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to CBD. Moreover, CBD has no recommended daily intake or RDI yet, which can confuse beginners with CBD even more.
To help you get started, you can follow our CBD dosage chart:
- Take 5 to 10 drops of CBD for mild symptoms (about 6.25 mg to 12.5mg)
- Take 15 to 20 drops of CBD for moderate symptoms (about 18.75 mg to 25 mg)
- Take 20 to 40 drops of CBD for severe symptoms (about 25 mg to 50 mg)
- Take 80 drops of extra-strength CBD oil (about 100 mg of CBD)
To take CBD oil, place the drops under your tongue. Let it stay there for about a couple of minutes so the cells can quickly absorb more CBD.
Of note, while CBD is a safe compound to use for multiple sclerosis, we recommend visiting your doctor first. This is especially important if you’re taking maintenance medications since CBD is known to interact with drugs. It can either reduce or boost the drug’s effects and side effects.
What are the Factors to Consider in Buying CBD for Multiple Sclerosis?
While it’s tempting to buy CBD products with the most reviews, it’s still important to research the CBD manufacturer first. So, join forums, read blogs that compare different CBD brands, or get in touch with the CBD manufacturer. These are good ways to get to know the company, its products, and how it deals with its customers.
Look for the CBD oil’s laboratory test result. You can easily find it on their website. But if you can’t locate it, ask for a copy from the company. if the company can’t provide you with one, then look for another provider. Remember, trusted CBD brands always send their products for laboratory testing. Don’t trust a CBD product that doesn’t have a certificate of analysis.
You want CBD oil that’s safe and of good quality. So, make sure its ingredients are organic and its CBD came from pesticide-free hemp.
Lastly, read reviews. Don’t limit yourself to what you can read on their website. But visit forums, ask around, and read through their social media sites.
Final Thoughts
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological disease that leaves a patient with severely-limited movements. Medications help control symptoms and delay disease progression, but there’s really no cure for multiple sclerosis or a drug that can reverse the damages it has caused.
CBD oil for multiple sclerosis can also help. It’s a safe and effective add-on therapy to your current multiple sclerosis regimen. But before using CBD for multiple sclerosis, be sure to speak with your physician first, especially if you’re on maintenance medications.
