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In a study carried out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1.8 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Multiple Sclerosis is a challenging neurological condition affecting the central nervous system. While there is currently no cure, various treatments are available to manage its symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres, resulting in communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to various symptoms, including pain, muscle spasticity, fatigue, and impaired coordination.
One of the most common symptoms of MS is overwhelming fatigue that is not alleviated by rest. This type of fatigue can significantly interfere with daily activities and is often reported as one of the most debilitating aspects of the disease.
MS can affect the optic nerves, causing various vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or pain during eye movement. In some cases, individuals may experience partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.
Many people with MS experience sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in different parts of their body. This can occur in the face, arms, legs, or trunk and may come and go unpredictably.
Some people with MS may experience cognitive symptoms such as difficulty with memory, concentration, problem-solving, or word-finding. These cognitive changes can vary in severity and may impact daily functioning.
Weakness or stiffness in the muscles, often accompanied by difficulty with coordination and balance, is another hallmark symptom of MS. This can manifest as difficulty walking, weakness in the arms or legs, or difficulty with fine motor skills.
MS can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, which may result in involuntary muscle contractions, especially in the legs. Spasticity can also contribute to difficulties with movement and mobility.
MS can affect the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, leading to symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence, as well as constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.
At the heart of medical cannabis's therapeutic effects lies the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function. When we consume medical cannabis, its active compounds, known as cannabinoids, interact with the ECS, modulating its activity and producing a range of effects.
The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each with its own unique effects on the body. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of medical cannabis, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been lauded for its potential therapeutic properties.
THC interacts with the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors found in the brain and nervous system. This interaction can lead to feelings of euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation. CBD, on the other hand, doesn't directly bind to cannabinoid receptors but influences the ECS in other ways, such as enhancing the body's natural production of endocannabinoids or modulating receptor activity. CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
One of the most intriguing aspects of medical cannabis is the entourage effect, a phenomenon in which the various compounds in the plant work together synergistically to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Research suggests that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals found in medical cannabis may amplify each other's effects, leading to greater symptom relief than isolated compounds alone. For example, certain terpenes found in medical cannabis, such as myrcene and limonene, have been shown to enhance the absorption of cannabinoids and modulate their effects.
As our understanding of medical cannabis continues to evolve, so too does its potential as a therapeutic agent. By harnessing the power of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, researchers are uncovering new ways to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Whether it's easing Chronic Pain, reducing anxiety, or enhancing sleep, medical cannabis offers a natural alternative for those seeking relief from a variety of ailments. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating medical cannabis into your wellness routine to ensure safe and effective use.
A notable feature of Humulene is that its concentration in a strain of medical cannabis functions as an appetite suppressant, unlike the usual strains of medical cannabis that act as an appetite stimulant. Humulene is often part of the group of terpenes that are utilised to treat Multiple Sclerosis. People with MS are often subject to painful discomfort due to nerve damage that is caused due to the overactive T cells (immune cells). The excess of immune cells results in extended periods of inflammation that can cause significant damage. Humulene has been observed to potentially inhibit the pro-inflammatory cells and modulate their activity to a certain extent to reduce its activity. This can help prevent the further degradation of the body tissues.
The terpene humulene is known to have a distinct earthy and spicy aroma. These terpenes are also found in other plant species such as hops, ginger, and cloves, and provide them with their notable pungent aroma.
One of the troubles that patients with MS face is muscle spasticity which occurs due to extensive nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord. This affects the voluntary movement controls which results in the muscles feeling rigid and heavy. When combined with the terpene myrcene, limonene may provide notable relief, act as a muscle relaxant, and reduce spasticity. This helps reduce the deterioration of the muscles and could help in reducing the pain experienced.
Limonene as its name suggests has a fruity, citrus aroma. In addition to cannabis, this terpene is found in large quantities in citrus fruits like orange, lime, and grapefruit.
The terpene myrcene is known to have a musky, earthy aroma and is present in the highest concentration in the cannabis plant. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis are often subject to experiencing both neurogenic pain and musculoskeletal pain to name a few. Neurogenic pain is the most commonly occurring kind, which is also the one that causes the most discomfort. This manifests itself as an intense tingling sensation that often occurs in the legs. Musculoskeletal pain usually occurs due to continuous muscle spasms and results in gradual weakening over time. Although myrcene does not directly provide pain relief on its own, when coupled with the cannabinoids it helps increase permeability across the blood-brain barrier and modulates the perception of the pain experienced.
The terpene myrcene is known to have a musky, earthy aroma and is present in the highest concentration in the cannabis plant. Besides cannabis, the terpene myrcene is found in other plants such as eucalyptus, lemongrass and even in fruits like mangoes.
Patients with MS often experience difficulty sleeping well due to the effects of the symptoms of their condition. Muscle spasticity being one of these major symptoms that patients experience, tends to occur more regularly during the night as the muscles are not as active during the day. The terpene linalool acts as a sedative agent that can potentially help patients experiencing such symptoms to gain some relief. Linalool has been observed to interact with the GABA receptors (a region in the brain that manages nerve activity like being calm or excited) in the brain to regulate such feelings of anxiousness. This may help patients feel more calm and assist in managing symptoms like spasms.
Linalool is characterised with having a sweet, woody aroma and is known for its cleansing and sedative effects. Apart from cannabis, this terpene is found in other plants like coriander, lavender, and basil to name a few.
While medical cannabis cannot cure Multiple Sclerosis, it can offer significant relief from its symptoms, thanks to the therapeutic properties of its cannabinoids and terpenes. By choosing the right cannabis strain with the appropriate terpene and cannabinoid profile, individuals with Multiple Sclerosis can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating medical cannabis into your Multiple Sclerosis treatment regimen.
At Cantourage Clinic, we understand the challenges faced by individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. Our team of expert Pain Specialists are dedicated to providing personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, including the use of medical cannabis for symptom management. Contact Cantourage Clinic today to learn more about how cannabis and its terpenes can help you live a fuller, more comfortable life with Multiple Sclerosis. Considering medical cannabis but unsure if you qualify? Apply for medical cannabis with our FREE eligibility checker.
Multiple Sclerosis statistic: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/multiple-sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms/
Benefits of Humulene: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.076
Benefits Limonene: 10.3390/molecules26154535
Benefits of Myrcene: 10.3389/fnut.2021.699666
Benefits of Linalool: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211
doi: 10.7224/1537-2073.2022-006
Cantourage Clinic is a CQC registered clinic, combining a team of qualified specialist physicians, nurses and educators with cannabis industry professionals; joining forces with the sole focus of providing care and excellence for patients wishing to explore cannabinoid therapies.
For more information on how Cantourage clinic could help, click here for more information.
Cantourage Clinic offer specialist consultations for the following conditions.
- Pain
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Oncology
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