Marijuana in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

First Published July 1, 2001 Research Article Find in PubMed

Authors

, MD
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Neuromuscular Disease Clinic, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
by this author
, , MD
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Neuromuscular Disease Clinic, New Hope Rehabilitation Center, St. Vincent Health-Care, Billings, Montana
by this author
First Published Online: September 5, 2016

Marijuana has been proposed as treatment for a widening spectrum of medical conditions. Marijuana is a substance with many properties that may be applicable to the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These include analgesia, muscle relaxation, bronchodilation, saliva reduction, appetite stimulation, and sleep induction. In addition, marijuana has now been shown to have strong antioxidative and neuroprotective effects, which may prolong neuronal cell survival. In areas where it is legal to do so, marijuana should be considered in the pharmacological management of ALS. Further investigation into the usefulness of marijuana in this setting is warranted.

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