ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) affects many people in the U.S. and across the world. This illness is known to attack the nerve cells located in the spine and brain. Of the people diagnosed with this disease, 80 percent die after only two to five years from the day they find out. Most ALS patients are between the ages of 40 and 70 years, with approximately 20 percent being men.
This illness doesn’t occur as a result of family genetics. It can affect anyone, even without a family history of it. More so, there are now cases of people in their 20s who are affected by ALS.
Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana for ALS Patients
Cannabis is known to have great antioxidant value that benefits ALS patients. Many of the cells in their bodies fall under severe stress as the disease progresses. It means they die off at a rapid rate and advance the progression of ALS.
The antioxidant value of weed helps reduce this level of stress inflicted on cells. It slows down the rate at which the disease attacks the body. It’s the cannabinoids like THC and CBD in the marijuana plant that are proving effective in controlling ALS.
Recently, a study was published in the journal for Neural Regeneration Research on this. It showed how cannabinoids have the capability of binding both CB1 and CB2 receptors. An increasing level of CB2 receptors helps the progression of ALS in the spinal cord of most patients. With more of these receptors being bound by cannabinoids, the progress of ALS slows down.
More studies on how effective cannabis is for ALS patients are necessary. That being said, more patients are finding medical marijuana beneficial. Since the marijuana plant comes in various strains, users might have to try different types to find the one that works best.
Dr. Jahan Chaudhry, founder of the Long Island Compassionate Medical Center in Holbrook, can help you get registered for the New York State Medical Marijuana Program and make sure you are getting the dosage you need to obtain benefits including improvement of stiff joints and better mobility. Also, medical weed can help patients better manage any pain that comes with the illness. Contact Dr. Chaudhry today to make an appointment to be evaluated and get on the pathway to feeling better as soon as possible.
