Cannabis is known to reduce inflammation, and has been used by doctors and herbalists around the world as an anti-inflammatory for centuries. In recent years, the ability of cannabis to reduce MS-related inflammation has been thoroughly investigated.

Analgesic

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of MS, which produces great muscle weakness, and is suffered by 50-70% of patients. MS-related pain occurs, directly, either as a result of inflammation or neural tissue, or as a result of muscle spasms and spasticity that put pressure on the musculoskeletal system.

Cannabis reduces pain in multiple sclerosis patients, working directly to reduce the immune response and the resulting inflammation, and it also decreases musculoskeletal pain caused by muscle spasms and spasticity. A scientific analysis, published in 2007, indicated that THC was more effective in treating MS-related pain than CBD and dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC.

Antispasmodic

Sudden muscle spasms, that is, involuntary contractions of a muscle or muscle group, are another common feature of MS, occurring in up to 80% of patients. The spasms can cause a sharp and temporary sensation of pain, which usually goes away after a short time. Muscle spasticity is a related symptom, and refers to the state of constant contraction of a muscle, or muscle group, that produces pain, stiffness, and a feeling of "tightness."

Cannabis has been shown to reduce the frequency of muscle spasms and the severity of muscle spasticity. The effect of cannabis on spasticity and muscle spasms is probably due to its ability to decrease inflammation of neurons and delay the overall progression of the disease. A study published in the journal Nature in 2000 showed that cannabinoid receptor agonists, including THC and R (+) - WIN 55,212 (a synthetic agonist), improved symptoms of spasticity and tremor, while receptors Cannabinoid antagonists (particularly the CB1 receptor) aggravated symptoms.

Antidepressant

Clinical depression is a common feature of multiple sclerosis, it can occur due to damage to the nerves that help regulate mood, or it can be a side effect of other medications used to control disease progression. In addition to severe depression, MS can also lead to a number of symptoms related to emotional dysfunction.

The ability of cannabis to treat depression is disputed, and substantial evidence from both parties is available. Several studies have indicated that THC, CBD, and cannabichromene (CBC) can exert an antidepressant effect. The endocannabinoid system is known to play an important role in regulating mood and subjective levels of happiness, and endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, are central to the process. Certain genetic variations in the expression of CB1 receptors are believed to make some individuals more sensitive to the mood-elevating effects of cannabis.

Abdominal discomfort

MS can cause a number of gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, constipation (experienced by about 50% of patients) and fecal incontinence (experienced by 30-50% of patients). These symptoms can be embarrassing, painful, and cause anxiety.

Cannabis has long been associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease, and this is believed to be due to the effect of cannabinoids on receptors (specifically the receptors CB2) of the peripheral nervous system that controls bowel function.