Glossary

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an incurable autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the brain and spinal cord, often resulting in muscle spasms and stiffness, difficulty walking, issues with balance, and cognitive impairment.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects around 2.8 million people worldwide. In MS, the immune system attacks the central nervous system through the brain and spinal cord, which can in turn affect balance, vision, movement and sensation. In some cases these physical and cognitive symptoms are described as mild, but as they progress in severity they can cause serious disability and significantly impact quality of life. 

 

Can medical cannabis help reduce the symptoms of MS?

 

Yes, medical cannabis has been proven (through rigorous scientific research and clinical trials) to help reduce symptoms of MS, specifically muscle spasms and stiffness, pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. 

 

What are the potential benefits of using medical cannabis for MS?

 

The cannabinoids found in medical cannabis have been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including pain perception, mood, and immune response.

The interaction between these cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system can help alleviate symptoms of MS by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, thereby providing relief from muscle spasms, stiffness, pain, and other symptoms.

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.