Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurological condition that is rare and difficult to diagnose. As the disease progresses, muscle atrophy begins throughout the body, impairing many vital functions. Little is known about the prevalence of this disease in the U.S., but limited research points to genetic and environmental factors being possible contributions to its development. Although research is still in its infancy, medical marijuana has shown to help alleviate many symptoms of ALS. Read below to learn more about how medical marijuana may help you or a loved one living with ALS.
What is ALS?
ALS is a disease that causes motor neurons to break down and die, leading to a loss of muscle control in the body. Early symptoms of this condition may include muscle stiffness, fatigue and more. In most cases, muscle tissue slowly degrades, leading to the loss of control over necessary body functions. However, in some rare cases, an individual may experience significant improvement and no loss of function through therapy and medication.
Certain medications and treatments may help slow the progression of ALS but there is currently no cure. ALS is unpredictable and can develop between the ages of 40-70. Sporadic ALS is the most common type of the disease, meaning that the condition can affect anyone regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. Familial ALS is another form of the disease that is passed down from parent to child.
ALS and Medical Marijuana
There is promising animal based evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may slow ALS progression, as shown in mice. Research also indicates that certain cannabinoids can produce analgesia, or pain relief, by regulating neural activity in the brain, allowing patients to reduce opioid medications and other prescriptions. Medical marijuana is not only helpful for someone living with pain from ALS but is also helpful in alleviating many other symptoms such as:
- Muscle stiffness
- Appetite loss
- Insomnia
- Reducing opioid use
- Fatigue
Get a Medical Marijuana Prescription
As of 2019, patients living with ALS are eligible under the Compassionate Use Program to receive medical marijuana in Texas. Getting a medical marijuana prescription is easy and can even be done from the comfort of your own home. We deliver statewide and have several prescription pick-up locations around the state including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Lubbock and more.
Click below to get your medical marijuana prescription today.
