Key Takeaways
- CBD may offer relief for MS symptoms, such as pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation, through its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Combining CBD with existing MS treatments and using high-quality CBD products can enhance overall symptom management and improve patients’ quality of life.
- Starting with a low dose and consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to minimize side effects and ensure safe usage.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune system disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. According to a 2019 study, nearly 1 million people in the United States live with MS. This condition disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including pain, muscle spasms, and fatigue.
CBD (cannabidiol) may provide pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential neuroprotective effects. It’s widely available, causes no intoxication, and is typically safe to use.1
Ongoing studies are considering the effectiveness of CBD for multiple sclerosis. Many patients currently use CBD for MS symptom relief. Given that people use CBD for symptoms common to MS, is it proven effective in treating multiple sclerosis?
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that impacts the brain and spinal cord. In individuals with MS, the immune system's white blood cells trigger inflammation, which damages the myelin sheath that insulates nerves. This damage disrupts normal nerve function, leading to the symptoms associated with MS.
MS is a chronic condition that can affect people of all ages. There is no single test for multiple sclerosis, so doctors use an array of clinical observations and imaging scans to diagnose it. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely from patient to patient. Common symptoms include vision issues, pain or muscle weakness, bladder issues, and spasticity.
What causes multiple sclerosis and its wide array of symptoms? Researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental conditions contribute to its development, not a single cause.
A multi-level approach to treating MS symptoms can include medications and targeted therapies, lifestyle changes and emotional support, and integrative medicine, including vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
Benefits of Using CBD for Multiple Sclerosis
Research into the benefits of CBD and MS suggests promising potential. Current studies and anecdotal reports highlight several ways in which CBD may help manage MS symptoms.
CBD studies show this potent cannabinoid provides symptom relief for many MS issues, even slowing the progression of the disease in lab animals.2
One of the most studied CBD-containing prescription medicines is Sativex® (Nabiximols). Sativex® contains low doses of CBD and Δ9-THC, which reduce pain and improve quality of life for MS patients.
In an oral spray dose of 2.5 mg CBD and 2.7 mg Δ9-THC, Sativex® reduced the inflammation activity of immune cells on CNR2 cannabinoid receptors. It also relieves pain by increasing the binding of anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule, to CB1 and TRPV1 receptors.
Although CBD alone is beneficial, the study found adding THC improved the results by 200-fold, without side effects.1
In addition to scientific research, anecdotal reports from patients suggest they use CBD for muscle spasms, pain, and overall discomfort related to MS. Many patients report improvements in their quality of life and a reduction in symptom severity when using CBD as part of their treatment regimen.
CBD’s known properties provide relief from pain, inflammation, and muscle spasticity, all common symptoms of MS. Overall, the current research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD offers multiple benefits for managing MS symptoms.
CBD and MS: Are There Any Risks?
CBD for MS has a favorable safety profile. Most studied in patients with epilepsy, the most common side effects of CBD are drowsiness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and sleep problems.3
Patients and their physicians need to balance the effects and risks of CBD and MS based on their current health, potential medication interactions, and treatment goals.
CBD as a Treatment for MS
Using CBD for multiple sclerosis has positive effects on treating the most common symptoms of MS, such as pain and spasticity.
CBD has therapeutic effects in reducing inflammation and immune responses associated with MS in mouse models. Sativex®, which contains both CBD and THC, is approved for treating pain and spasticity associated with MS.1 Moreover, a survey by NuggMD suggests that medical cannabis, which includes CBD, can be as effective as opiates for neuropathic pain without the associated risks of addiction and overdose.
However, CBD alone may not be sufficient to manage all MS conditions. Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease that typically requires a multifaceted treatment approach, including medications that modify the disease course, manage symptoms, and address relapses. While CBD for MS offers several therapeutic benefits, it may not have the same comprehensive impact on MS as conventional treatments.
CBD may be highly beneficial when used in conjunction with existing MS treatments. Many patients use CBD for MS, including topical creams and CBD gummies for nerve pain. Combining CBD with other therapies can enhance overall symptom management and improve the quality of life for MS patients.
Tips for Using CBD for MS
Before using CBD for MS or making any changes to your multiple sclerosis regime, consult with your healthcare provider.
A gradual introduction of CBD produces the best outcome for multiple sclerosis symptoms with the lowest potential for side effects.
The process is: start low, go slow, and stay low. A dose of 2.5mg to 5mg is the starting point for most patients. Increase by 2.5mg to 5mg up to a maximum daily dose of 1,500mg CBD. An optimal dose is the lowest amount of CBD and THC that comfortably produces the desired therapeutic benefits.
For cannabis inhalation, patients should start with one inhalation and wait 15 minutes. Increase by one inhalation every 15-30 minutes until desired symptom control is reached. If using CBD gummies for nerve pain, wait up to two hours before consuming additional gummies.4
For best results, consistently use CBD as part of your daily routine to maintain steady levels in the body. Monitor and note effects in a journal or notes app to track your symptoms, dosages, and side effects. Using this record can help your healthcare provider adjust the treatment plan as needed. To use CBD safely to help treat MS, consult with your physician before adding CBD to your regime.
Ask a Budtender: Which CBD Products are Best For MS?
Patient reports and budtender recommendations can offer helpful guidance when choosing the best CBD products for multiple sclerosis.
Several forms of CBD products are both popular and effective for managing MS symptoms, including:
- Oils and tinctures allow for precise dosing and are rapidly absorbed when taken sublingually (under the tongue).
- Edibles like CBD gummies are convenient and provide a consistent dose, making them a favorite for ongoing symptom management.
- Topicals like CBD creams, balms, and lotions can be applied directly to affected areas. Using topical CBD for muscle spasms or pain provides targeted relief.
Research shows products with a balanced 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC may offer synergistic effects. Prescription Sativex® contains 2.7 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD per spray, used on a gradually titrated dosing schedule. This ratio is proven effective for managing pain and muscle spasms in MS patients.1
Begin with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the optimal amount for symptom relief. This method helps to minimize side effects and allows you to find the best dose for your needs.
Concerns surrounding the safety of CBD products lie not in the cannabinoid itself but in the manufacturing standards. Unregulated and untested products should be avoided. Instead, purchase through a licensed dispensary or trusted CBD retailer.
A certificate of analysis (COA) confirms product testing by a reputable third-party lab. This document verifies the product's cannabinoid content and affirms that it is free from contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and mold. For complete transparency, ask to see a printout of the COA or check the packaging for a QR code or label that links to it.
By choosing high-quality CBD products and following these dosing guidelines, MS patients can find effective relief from their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. Understanding the effects of CBD and MS can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.
References
- Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(22):8870. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870 ↩︎
- Kozela E, Lev N, Kaushansky N, et al. Cannabidiol inhibits pathogenic T cells, decreases spinal microglial activation and ameliorates multiple sclerosis‐like disease in C57BL/6 mice. British journal of pharmacology. 2011;163(7):1507-1519. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01379.x ↩︎
- Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). Pharmaceuticals. 2020;13(9):219. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219 ↩︎
- MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
