Muscular dystrophy is the term for multiple muscular diseases resulting from genetic mutations. It’s a progressive condition, meaning symptoms will worsen over time. As individuals age, their muscular capabilities will decrease. Muscular dystrophy causes muscles not only to weaken but also to shrink. This can severely impact an individual’s ability to go throughout their daily life.
A few different diagnoses within the muscular dystrophy category exist, but among them, it’s common for symptoms to start in early childhood. The two most prevalent types of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne and Becker, primarily affects boys.
Muscular dystrophy is not curable. However, certain therapies and treatments can improve an individual’s quality of life and help with symptom management.
Muscular dystrophy is rare. It is estimated to affect only 250,000 individuals in the United States, with a prevalence of 1 in 3,500 births.
What Causes Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is caused by various genetic mutations depending on your type and even differs by individual, although the condition is the same. It’s common for this condition to run in families, but there doesn’t have to be a familial history for someone to have muscular dystrophy.
In some types of muscular dystrophy, defects exist within a group of proteins called the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. When these proteins are damaged, muscle fibers relax the protein creatine kinase and take on excess calcium. This damage can result in the death of these muscle fibers, which causes progressive muscle degeneration.
Muscular Dystrophy Signs & Symptoms
Muscular dystrophy can sometimes be challenging to identify when it’s in its early stages. Common symptoms include:
- Consistent falling
- Difficulty running
- Muscle pain
- Not meeting growth milestones
- Learning disabilities
- Scoliosis
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy?
There isn’t a substantial amount of clinical research on cannabis use and muscular dystrophy. Both the CB1 and the CB2 receptors have been found to play a role in inflammation and reducing sensitivity to pain.1 Preclinical research also indicates that the activation of CB2 receptors in the immune system may promote anti-inflammatory effects.2
Relieving inflammation and restoring autophagy are two substantial potential benefits that cannabinoids may provide, specifically CBD and CBDV. Cannabinoid interactions at TRPA receptors located in the sensory neurons of the skin may also play a role in helping to relieve local symptoms of muscular dystrophy when used as topicals.3
In 2022, Dr. George Rodney of Texas began conducting preclinical research on mice to determine how CBD may reduce inflammation and improve skeletal function alongside traditional steroid treatments. Dr. Rodney is also seeking to research how CBD affects young males with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, particularly their cardiac health. Hopefully, the research of Dr. Rodney and others can help improve what we know about cannabis and muscular dystrophy.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers muscular dystrophy a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes muscular dystrophy or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half of the United States. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Muscular Dystrophy
Will using cannabis cure muscular dystrophy?
No, cannabis is not a cure for muscular dystrophy. Instead, it may help with symptom management and improving quality of life.
Is there a preferred method of cannabis use I should consider if I have muscular dystrophy?
Whether you use a smokable, edible, or topical cannabis product will depend on your specific symptoms and needs. Topical may be the way to go if you want to target one particular muscle group. However, edibles, tinctures, or capsules may be a better option if you’re looking for overall pain relief.
Does weed affect muscle growth?
More research is needed on how cannabis affects muscle development and disorders.
What are the side effects of cannabis on muscles?
Cannabis is often used to help relax muscles and reduce muscular pain. It can also reduce inflammation.
Are there any reasons I shouldn’t use cannabis if I have muscular dystrophy?
It’s always best to check with your doctor to ensure any medications you’re taking are not harmful to consume along with cannabis.
References
- Anthony AT, Rahmat S, Sangle P, Sandhu O, Khan S. Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Relationship With Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2020;12(9):e10436. Published 2020 Sep 14. doi:10.7759/cureus.10436
- Argenziano M, Pota V, Di Paola A, Tortora C, Marrapodi MM, Giliberti G, Roberti D, Pace MC, Rossi F. CB2 Receptor as Emerging Anti-Inflammatory Target in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(4):3345. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043345
- Iannotti FA. Pharmacological Actions and Potential Therapeutic Use of Cannabinoids in Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. In: Muscular Dystrophies. IntechOpen; 2019. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.85131
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.
