Marijuana Benefits

Muscular Dystrophy & Medical Marijuana

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a group of muscle diseases that weaken the musculoskeletal system and hampers motion. Muscular dystrophies are characterized by progressive degeneration of muscles caused by underlying conditions that fundamentally disrupt muscle protein synthesis or affect the death of muscles and supporting tissues.

."We have common enemies today. It's called childhood poverty. It's called cancer. It's called AIDS. It's called Parkinson's. It's called Muscular Dystrophy."

-- Author: Jerry Doyle, Politician

"Cannabinoids, constituents of Medical Marijuana, are known for their capacity to affect receptors that modulate and control neuromodulation, Cannabinoids can effectively treat neurological disorders, including anti-oxidative, neuroprotective effects, analgesia, anti-inflammatory actions, immunomodulation, modulation of glial cells and tumor growth regulation. Incredibly, cannabinoids have also been shown to be quite safe with no potential for overdose.”

-- Indian MS Researchers (post-edit), Future Med Chem. 2009

Myelin Sheath Degeneration - The Root of this Autoimmune Disorder

MS is characterized by inflammation, caused by an autoimmune response that damages the Myelin; the nerve fibers protective and insulating coating. Akin to copper wiring, if the insulative coating degenerates, that part of the electrical circuit can malfunction or short circuit.

Cannabinoids have been shown repeatedly, in study after study, to be an effective painkiller, appetite stimulant, gastrointestinal medicine and sleeping agent. All considered, the medicinal effects of Medical Cannabis would seem to be tailor made to manage the symptoms and treat the root cause of MS.

A wealth of research has demonstrated that Cannabinoids can antagonizes the brain receptors involved in immune response. In other words, Medical Marijuana reduces the body's suicidal signals to attack itself, and thus, inflammation and cellular damage is reduced.

Left untreated, Myelin sheaths becoming irreparably damaged by inflammation, which results in a loss of motor control, muscle weakness and spasms, fatigue, accompanied by emotional responses of depression and even psychosis.