Can CBD help with multiple sclerosis?

As the legality of marijuana in the United States slowly grows, more people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) because of its potential health benefits. So can CBD help with multiple sclerosis?

Some patients with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) use CBD to relieve their symptoms. While studies are inconclusive, CBD has shown promise as a useful tool for relieving chronic pain and reducing uncomfortable symptoms associated with a variety of medical conditions. This article will look specifically at how CBD can help patients with multiple sclerosis.

CBD essential oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, which is different from THC because it does not produce the "euphoric" feeling commonly associated with cannabis. There are many cannabinoids in cannabis, but CBD and THC are the two most talked about.
Research on CBD is still under development, but there is promising evidence that CBD may have therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, anxiety relief, and insomnia. There are three types of CBD:
CBD isolate is pure CBD that does not contain THC or any other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. However, the isolated product may contain solvents from the extraction process. That's why it's important to look for products with 3rd party test certificates of analysis (COA) that check for ingredients left in the purification process.
Two other forms of CBD are broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Broad spectrum does not contain THC but contains other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD has a small amount of THC and may work better than other forms of CBD due to the “foreign effect”.
Currently, there is only 1 CBD drug on the market that is approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Epidiolex is prescribed for rare forms of epilepsy.

Some people use CBD essential oil to help manage chronic pain as an alternative to potentially addictive medications like opioids. Currently, there isn't enough research to verify the pain-relieving benefits of CBD, however what we do know so far is encouraging. Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis that CBD can help improve are:
Feeling tired; Spasticity; Nerve-related pain or discomfort; Pain and itching. A 2018 review suggested that CBD is an effective pain management tool with few side effects. Studies have looked at pain caused by:
Cancer ; Neuropathy; Fibromyalgia ; Inflammation. Researchers have also looked at the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. A 2015 animal study found that rats with arthritis supplemented with 6.2 mg of CBD per day experienced less swelling and pain than mice that did not receive any CBD oil. These results are exciting, but human studies are needed to have the best evidence in confirming CBD's effectiveness.

Some studies have also specifically looked at whether CBD can help cure multiple sclerosis by controlling a patient's symptoms. However, most studies have looked at the effects of THC and CBD together as a mucosal spray called Sativex.
According to a 2014 literature review, Sativex may be an effective treatment option for symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, such as spasticity, urinary frequency, and pain.
A 2018 study that looked at the effect of Sativex on the driving ability of people with multiple sclerosis found that people using the spray did not experience an increase in vehicle accidents. People also say improved driving ability can be attributed to reduced spasticity. It has been explained that cannabis products with a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio can reduce muscle spasms and pain in people with multiple sclerosis. Cannabis can also reduce inflammation-related fatigue, which in turn may improve mobility in people with multiple sclerosis.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Association of America advocates for legalization of marijuana at the state level and seeks to remove federal barriers to medical marijuana research. However, they point out that there are no studies on the safety of cannabis use, especially in people with multiple sclerosis.

CBD is available in several forms, including:
Oils and tinctures: These liquids are ingested orally by placing drops under the tongue. Both options are good choices for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Topicals and lotions: Topical CBD products are best for muscle and joint pain, they can be used to treat certain skin conditions. Topical medications are not suitable for systemic problems, such as insomnia. Capsules and gum: For people with systemic problems, they may want to use pills. However, not everyone is comfortable swallowing capsules and pills. CBD in this form can also take some time to produce a therapeutic effect. Marshmallows are the ideal dosage form for those who don't like taking pills or capsules. Steam pills: Experts don't recommend taking CBD this way because of the potential for adverse health effects.

Here are some questions to ask when buying products with CBD:
What kind of CBD is this? To get the full benefit of the extraneous effect, choose a full-spectrum product. If you want to avoid THC altogether, choose CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD. Keep in mind that any CBD product may contain small amounts of THC, which can show up during drug testing. Does the company test its products in third-party labs? The FDA does not test or guarantee the safety of over-the-counter CBD products. That's why a quality product must come with a COA certifying that it is free of contaminants and guaranteed to contain the CBD (and THC) listed on the label. What's in this CBD product? Look for products that contain hemp (cannabis), hemp extracts, or hemp oil. You should also check where the company's ingredients are sourced. Ideally, look for products that contain organic, U.S.-grown hemp. How to choose the best CBD products for people with multiple sclerosis:
CBD oil products made by companies that provide proof of 3rd party testing; Made with US-grown hemp, containing no more than 0.3% THC, according to the COA; Passes pesticide, heavy metal and mold tests, according to the COA. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

Reference source: healthline.com