Medical Marijuana may Reduce Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Study

Statistics show that more than 2.3 million people are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide--a disease in which an abnormal response of the body's immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS) that makes up the spinal cord, brain and other optic nerves.

While various genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of the disease, a recent study shows that medical marijuana may be able to help patients with MS fight symptoms of the health issue.

In order to find out how alternative therapies help those suffering from MS, researchers reviewed over 40 years of research on alternative medicine treatments, according to WebMD. Findings showed that medical marijuana pills and sprays could help to relieve symptoms of MS, in addition to ginkgo biloba.

"We're at a place where we need to continue to understand and better appreciate the benefits of what we know and don't know about [alternative medicine]," said Timothy Coetzee, services and research officer for the National MS Society, via HealthDay. "I view it as integrated care. It's important we continue to keep our options open so people with MS can live their best lives."

Researchers believe as the drug continues to become legalized throughout the United States, future treatments involving marijuana may become more available and widespread.

Other studies have also shown the benefits of medical marijuana. For instance, some suggest that it has the effect to stop the spread of HIV in monkeys, slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease and cancer cells, and work as an active pain killer. Others suggest that it can help prevent blindness, lower insulin levels in diabetic patients and even help in treating pediatric epilepsy.

However, some caution against the drug's use, for medical or recreational purposes, as it gradually becomes more acceptable in the United States.

In a January interview with The New Yorker magazine in which President Obama stated that he did not think marijuana was more dangerous than alcohol, many health officials went up in arms against the claim, noting the dangers of the drug, including issues with cognition and extended marijuana use, disorientation, increased risk of lung cancer and the possibility of addiction.

A recent German study even claims to have documented the first known deaths resulting from marijuana use.

"To our knowledge, these are the first cases of suspected fatal cannabis intoxications where full post-mortem investigations...were carried out," researchers note, via Forensic Science International in February. "We experienced that the young men experienced fatal cardiovascular complications evoked by smoking cannabis."

When weighing the pros and cons of marijuana, would you use the drug for medical puposes? 

What do you think?

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Neurology.