Does MS Qualify for Medical Marijuana in South Carolina?

Multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common neurological diseases, can be one of the tougher diagnoses to cope with. At any given time, there are roughly 400,000 Americans living with MS.  

 

One of the most important things about MS is that the earlier you start treatment, the less likely you are to suffer from debilitating symptoms. There is no known cure for MS, but there are a few prescription medications on the market indicated to treat MS and its symptoms.

 

The good news for MS patients who live in South Carolina is that they will soon access a promising treatment option - medical marijuana.

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What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is an autoimmune disease that may affect the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve in the eyes. The condition can also cause issues with vision, balance, muscle control among other important body functions. The disease causes the immune system to attack myelin, a fatty material that wraps around nerve fibers to protect them. Without myelin, the nerves become damaged and scar tissue could form. The hinders the brain’s ability to send signals through the body correctly.

 

Not everyone who has MS experiences symptoms in the same way. Some people don’t even need treatment because their symptoms are so mild, while others have difficulty walking around and performing basic daily tasks. Common symptoms associated with MS include:

 

• Difficulty walking

• Fatigue

• Muscle weakness or spasms

• Double vision

• Tingling and numbness

• Poor bowel and bladder control

• Sexual dysfunction

• Depression

• Pain

 

The exact cause of MS is not fully understood, but hereditary genes, smoking, and certain viral infections have all been shown to play a role in onset. Women are more likely to develop MS than men. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction can help to reduce symptoms.

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How Could Medical Marijuana Help Relieve MS Symptoms?

Medical marijuana has been shown to help patients find relief from certain MS symptoms. One study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that the patients involved in the study who used medical marijuana saw big improvements in muscle stiffness. Improvements were also seen in body pain, sleep quality, and spasms. Inflammation of neural tissue is a major factor for MS, and medical marijuana has been shown to have a positive effect on this. Several other investigations have exposed a link between medical marijuana and lower rates of depression among MS sufferers.

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Learn More About Medical Marijuana in South Carolina

It is recommended to consult with a health professional if you’re interested in finding out more about how medical marijuana can help relieve your MS symptoms.  If you want to learn more about how medical marijuana in South Carolina could MS patients, please contact us today!