How does medical cannabis help with Muscular Dystrophy?

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own set of symptoms and severity. Some of the most common types of muscular dystrophy include:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): DMD is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. It is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that primarily affects boys. Children with DMD usually start to show symptoms between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and difficulty walking.
• Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD): BMD is a milder form of DMD. It is also a progressive muscle-wasting disease, but it usually progresses more slowly than DMD. Children with BMD usually start to show symptoms between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and difficulty walking.
• Myotonic dystrophy (DM): DM is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that can affect both men and women. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, and difficulty speaking.
• Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD): FSHD is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that primarily affects the face, shoulders, and upper arms. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, muscle wasting, and difficulty raising the arms.
• Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD): LGMD is a group of progressive muscle-wasting diseases that affect the muscles of the arms and legs. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, muscle wasting, and difficulty walking.

How does medical cannabis help with Muscular Dystrophy?

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that medical cannabis can be an effective treatment for muscular dystrophy. Medical cannabis contains a number of compounds called cannabinoids, which have a variety of therapeutic effects. Some of the most important cannabinoids for muscular dystrophy include:

• THC: THC is the compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
• CBD: CBD does not produce a “high.” It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects.

Here are some of the ways that medical cannabis can help with Muscular Dystrophy:

• Reduce pain: Medical cannabis can reduce pain by activating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors and enzymes that plays a role in pain perception. When cannabinoids bind to the ECS receptors, they can reduce pain signals.
• Improve muscle function: Medical cannabis can improve muscle function by reducing inflammation and pain. Inflammation can damage muscle tissue and make it difficult for muscles to contract. Pain can also make it difficult to exercise, which can lead to muscle weakness. Medical cannabis can help to reduce inflammation and pain, which can improve muscle function.
• Slow the progression of the disease: Medical cannabis may help to slow the progression of muscular dystrophy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation and oxidative stress can damage muscle tissue and lead to the progression of the disease. Medical cannabis can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which may help to slow the progression of the disease.