Guidelines Released For Marijuana Treatment of MS

The American Academy of Neurology has released guidelines for complementary and alternative medication therapies for multiple sclerosis, focusing primarily on medical-marijuana-based treatments in the form of pill or spray.

According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system and is characterized by the destruction of the protective covering of nerve tissue. This then results in the formation of plaques on nerves that disrupts communication between the brain and the body -- resulting in symptoms such as blurred visions, muscle weakness, loss of motor control, and widespread pain.

There is no cure for MS, but treatments usually consist of synthetic protein supplementation or even a powerful immunosuppressant called Novantrone, are traditionally subscribed to help patients experiencing advanced or chronic MS. Unfortunately, these treatments and other often come with significant adverse effects, oftentimes even making patients more vulnerable to other illnesses, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS).

However, according to new clinical guidelines for MS treatment published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Neurology, oral cannabis extract is a new promising option that many physicians should consider when attempting to alleviate the burden of their patient's condition.

According to the guidelines, the effectiveness and safety of most complimentary of alternative medical (CAM) therapies -- such as bee sting therapy, ginkgo biloba, and magnetic therapy -- remain questionable.

The guidelines explain that while little evidence supports that most CAM therapies can treat symptoms of MS, medical marijuana based CAM therapies have proven effective at alleviating pain in MS patients. Medical marijuana pills and oral sprays have also been recommended as complimentary treatments that can help patients better control motor spasticity and frequently urination.

However, the guidelines come with a warning as well. For all the good regulated medical marijuana treatments can do for MS patients, the drug is still a downer. Authors of the guidelines concluded their work urging doctors to carefully consider the potential side effects of marijuana when treating MS patients experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide.

A summary of the evidence-based guidelines was published in Neurology on March 25.

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