Medical Marijuana For ALS

Jake Peter
July 13, 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord, causing gradual loss of muscle control. This debilitating condition can cause severe physical disability and eventual death. As there is no cure for ALS, many patients are turning to medical marijuana as an alternative form of treatment.

In this blog post, we will explore how medical cannabis can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with ALS and potentially slow down its progression. We will also delve into current research on this topic and discuss legal considerations when using medical marijuana as a treatment option for ALS.

What is ALS and What are the Symptoms?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with it.

The most common early symptoms of ALS are muscle weakness and tightness in the limbs. Other symptoms may include difficulty speaking, eating, and breathing, as well as impaired coordination, fatigue, and worsened reflexes. As ALS progresses, more severe symptoms such as paralysis of the arms or legs can occur. In some cases, individuals may experience dementia or depression. Ultimately, people with ALS lose their ability to move voluntarily and become totally dependent on others for their care.

Due to its progressive nature, there is currently no cure for ALS, although early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. As such, some people turn to alternative therapies such as medical marijuana in order to mitigate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How Does Weed Work as a Blood Thinner?

Weed has been shown to work as a blood thinner in some cases. This is likely due to the fact that it can lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. These effects may be helpful in preventing strokes and other blood clots.

In addition, weed may also improve the flow of blood by thinning the blood. This can help to prevent clots from forming and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

So far, the evidence suggests that weed may be a helpful treatment for those at risk for a stroke or blood clots. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. If you are considering using weed for this purpose, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Risks of Using Weed as a Blood Thinner

There are risks associated with using weed as a blood thinner. One of the biggest risks is that it can lead to increased bleeding. This is because weed can thin the blood and make it harder for the blood to clot, which can increase the risk of bleeding, both internally and externally.

Additionally, using weed as a blood thinner can also lead to other complications such as excessive bruising and even hemorrhaging. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with using weed as a blood thinner and to consult a healthcare professional before trying it.

Conclusion

While anecdotal evidence suggests that weed can be used as a blood thinner, more research is needed before we can make any conclusions. If you are considering using it for this purpose, talk to your doctor first. Don’t use it if you have an increased risk of bleeding, excessive bruising, or hemorrhaging.