Medicinal Marijuana and its Role in Neurological Disorders 

You’ve probably heard of weed as pot or “smoking a joint,” but did you know it started out as a healing agent? Marijuana first appeared in documentation in 2800 BC in Emperor Sheng Nuang’s ( considered the father of Chinese medicine) pharmacopeia.

Marijuana has recently garnered attention for its therapeutic properties. The DEA ( Drug Enforcement Authority) recognizes marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, defined as a drug that has a high potential for abuse. However, with recent studies revealing its potential therapeutic properties, as of 2024, 38 states allow the medical use of marijuana. Let’s explore the medicinal use of marijuana and its role in neurological conditions.

Mode of Action of Marijuana 

Marijuana is classified as a psychoactive drug, a mind-altering substance that alters thoughts, mood, and behavior. The cannabis sativa plant is used to produce it and has ingredients called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and cannabidiol (CBD) that cause psychoactive effects.

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, it acts on cannabinoid receptors, a group of nerve receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates essential body functions, including appetite, sleep, pain control, immune responses, and temperature control. The effects of marijuana are produced due to alterations in the endocannabinoid system’s function. Marijuana can cause;

• A feeling of euphoria and relaxation 
• A loss of perception of time and space 
• Anxiety and fatigue 
• Impair attention and memory

Use of Marijuana in Neurodegenerative Disorders  

Marijuana is specifically known for its role in neurological diseases. Neurological disorders refer to a group of diseases that affect the nervous system, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and neuromuscular disorders.

While there have only been a small number of clinical trials, the potential for its use in diseases like Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Epilepsy that still don’t have the best treatment options can not be ignored. Here are some of the neurological diseases that can benefit from using marijuana as a therapeutic agent;

1. Movement Disorders:

These disorders are caused by defects in the basal ganglia, a group of cells in the brain that control muscular activity. Disturbance in these clusters of cells affects the motion of muscles in the limbs, face, and trunk.

Since the basal ganglia is an area of the brain that contains cannabinoid receptors, marijuana can be used to treat the cause, unlike conventional treatment medication that aims to relieve symptoms. Additionally, stress and anxiety can worsen the symptoms of movement disorders, and the calming effect of marijuana can bring them relief. 

2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 

MS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by:

• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty speaking 
• Bladder dysfunction
• Neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage) 
• Spasticity (muscle tightness due to prolonged contraction)
• Intellectual problems, including memory disturbances
• Tremors

Marijuana has an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effect due to its action on cannabinoid receptors and can be used to slow down the progression of MS. In addition to that, THC can be used to treat neuropathic pain because of its anti-inflammatory effect and ability to block cannabinoid receptors in peripheral nerves. 

3. Epilepsy

Epilepsy causes convulsions, uncontrolled movements, and recurrent attacks of altered consciousness. Recent studies show over 100 participants showed a reduction in the frequency of seizures following the use of marijuana in addition to antiepileptics. While it is not clear whether marijuana itself suppresses seizures or works to enhance the effect of antiepileptics, it is a source of hope for those seeing no results with their usual treatment. 

If you think you are tired of not seeing improvement with traditional treatment plans and believe you can benefit from the incorporation of marijuana in your treatment plan, schedule an appointment with Leafy Doc Louisiana and get your medical marijuana card.

Endnote

With advances in medicine, people are now looking for alternative treatment methods for diseases that can not be managed adequately with existing medication, like epilepsy, MS, and Parkinson’s. Marijuana’s therapeutic properties show great potential in offering a solution to these problems. Getting a consultation with a licensed marijuana doctor can help you evaluate if you would benefit from this treatment plan. 

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