Within the alternative medical sector, medical cannabis has emerged as a topic due to the potential treatments and the legal landscape surrounding it.
Globally, the legal landscape surrounding cannabis is one of patchwork, with some countries embracing cannabis for all purposes, some countries are embracing it for medical use, and other countries still have a ban on cannabis.
In the UK, cannabis has slowly adapted around the country, including in York, by realizing the potential treatments from the plant, allowing the prescription of cannabis-based products for medicinal use, but only under specific circumstances.
Among the conditions which has been receiving more and more attention is the medical cannabis treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research is still ongoing within the field of medical cannabis for either of these conditions, which also means that for most instances it is not possible to make definitive claims about the benefit of medical cannabis. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting potential effects for individuals suffering from these conditions.
Multiple sclerosis and medical cannabis: A potential treatment option
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition which affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by symptoms such as mobility issues, pain, spasms, and muscle stiffness. In the UK alone it is estimated that over 150,000 people are living with multiple sclerosis, including a good amount of people in York, with the condition being more prevalent in women than men. The traditional way of treating multiple sclerosis includes disease-modifying therapies, physiotherapy, and medication aimed at managing specific symptoms.
Due to the complexities of the symptoms of this condition, the potential role of medical cannabis in treating multiple sclerosis has been a subject of interest to residents in York. There has especially been a focus on using medical cannabis for MS symptom management. Research has found that cannabis-based products containing both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) can offer potential benefits for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. The most prevalent potential effect of medical cannabis is its ability to reduce muscle spasticity and associated pain for patients.
Medical cannabis’s role in multiple sclerosis treatment
An example of a cannabis-based product which can be used for multiple sclerosis is cannabis oil. This can for example be sprayed into the mouth, where both THC and CBD can then work through the body and relief pain. A study published in the Neural Plast found that 48% of patients who had previously been resistant to other medications experienced reduced spasticity by using an oromusocal spray containing both THC and CBD. However, it is important to remember that the findings show promise, but that they represent potential benefits and not definitive conclusions.
In addition to spasticity, many MS patients in York experience chronic pain, which is a symptom that is hard to manage. Some studies have found that medical cannabis can have potential analgesic properties, which means that medical cannabis can offer relief from neuropathic pain. This is a type of pain that is a result of nerve damage, which is common for MS patients. A study found that cannabis extract is associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity. However, the study did also find some side effects, including dizziness and fatigue.
ADHD and medical cannabis: Exploring emerging research
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is often characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In the UK, around 2.6 million people are affected, including a good amount of residents in York, with symptoms persisting into adulthood. To treat ADHD patients in York, treatment often involve stimulant medications, including methylphenidate, in addition to behavioural therapies. However, ADHD treatment is not universal, and they can be associated with side effects, which is the reason why many patients has explored alternative options such as medical cannabis.
The use of medical cannabis for ADHD for residents in York is still in the early stages of research, and so the evidence base is still not as robust as for other conditions. However, the studies available so far do suggest that cannabis, especially strains high in CBD, can have potential benefits for managing certain symptoms related to ADHD.
The potential role of medical cannabis in ADHD treatment
The reason why cannabis for ADHD is particularly interesting is because it is a non-psychoactive, which means that it does not produce the ‘high’ feeling which is associated with THC. Some studies have found that CBD can have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antipsychotic properties, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience anxiety and mood disorders. A study published in the Psychiatric Clinics of North America has found that adults with ADHD who used CBD showed improvements in symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and anxiety symptoms.
On the other hand, THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, has been found to be more controversial in the context of ADHD. Some individuals have reported that THC helps to focus and to reduce hyperactivity, while others experience exacerbated symptoms of anxiety or decreased motivation. This dichotomy does underscore how important personalized treatment is for ADHD, and why research into using medical cannabis is very important.
Concluding remarks
As this article has shown, medical cannabis does present a promising option for the treatment of conditions felt by numerous residents in York, including multiple sclerosis and ADHD. Cannabis is still illegal for recreational use, however medical cannabis has been legalized in the UK, including in York. While research is still only suggesting potential benefits, it is evident that medical cannabis can have great impact on symptom management. As more and more research will add to the evidence base, medical cannabis is more likely to become a common mean of treatment in the future among residents of York.