Today, October 6, is World Cerebral Palsy Day, and we want to take this opportunity to raise awareness for cannabis for cerebral palsy. Medical marijuana has been shown to help those living with this condition.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle movement and coordination. It is caused by damage to the motor control center of the brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the first few years of life.
The CDC reports;
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood.
Recent population-based studies from around the world report prevalence estimates of CP ranging from 1 to nearly 4 per 1,000 live births
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One promising treatment option is medical marijuana. While more research needs to be done, there have been several studies that show promise for cannabis helping people with cerebral palsy.
A survey of pain treatments in adults with cerebral palsy is published in the American Journal of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation. Out of the 17 different pain treatments mentioned, patients reported;
“The treatment that was rated as providing the most relief was marijuana; however, less than 5% of the sample reported ever using this drug for pain.”
Although these findings were self-reported, they serve as anecdotal evidence that some patients with CP are already consuming cannabis for cerebral palsy.
Muscle spasms are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of CP. Research on THC and CBD indicate marijuana can reduce painful muscle spasms. The study focused on people who experienced muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, but the findings still suggest improvements in pain levels from muscle spasms.
These studies show that cannabis may be an effective treatment option for people with cerebral palsy. Cannabis has also been shown to help with sleep disruptions, which is another common symptom of CP.
If you are a Missouri resident living with cerebral palsy and are interested in trying medical marijuana, we encourage you to visit one of our Terrabis dispensaries. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about CBD oil products, THC products, and more.