Cannabis for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: What is the patients’ view?

Cannabis may have therapeutic benefits to relieve symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) thanks to its pleiotropic pharmacological activity. This study is the first to present a large questionnaire-based survey about the “real-life” situation regarding cannabis use in the medical context in ALS patients in France. There were 129 respondents and 28 reported the use of cannabis (21.7%) to relieve symptoms of ALS. Participants mostly reported the use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil and cannabis weed and declared benefits both on motor (rigidity, cramps, fasciculations) and non-motor (sleep quality, pain, emotional state, quality of life, depression) symptoms and only eight reported minor adverse reactions (drowsiness, euphoria and dry mouth). Even if cannabis is mostly used outside medical pathways and could expose patients to complications (street and uncontrolled drugs, drug-drug interactions, adverse effects…), most of the participants reported “rational” consumption (legal cannabinoids, with only few combustion and adverse reactions). Despite some limitations, this study highlights the need for further research on the potential benefits of cannabis use for the management of ALS motor and non-motor symptoms. Indeed, there is an urgent need and call for and from patients to know more about cannabis and secure its use in a medical context.

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis for Psychiatric, Movement and Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Authors: Keane Lim, Yuen Mei See, and Jimmy Lee
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 30 November 2017

The discovery of endocannabinoid’s role within the central nervous system and its potential therapeutic benefits have brought forth rising interest in the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The present review aimed to synthesize and evaluate the available evidences on the e…

Cannabis use in palliative care – an examination of the evidence and the implications for nurses.

Authors: Anita J Green, Kay De‐Vries
Journal of Clinical Nursing, September 2010

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Examine the pharmaceutical qualities of cannabis including a historical overview of cannabis use. Discuss the use of cannabis as a clinical intervention for people experiencing palliative care, including those with life-threatening chronic illness such as mu…