Guide to Using CBD for Multiple Sclerosis

CBD is a useful supplement for alleviating symptoms of MS and may even be able to slow the progression of the disease.

Most of the research involving CBD for MS used a combination of CBD and THC at a 1:1 ratio. It appears these two cannabinoids work synergistically together to provide relief from symptoms.

In many countries, products containing THC are illegal. However, MS is one of the few conditions that medical cannabis is generally prescribed for — but this can vary according to your country.

Tips for Getting the Most from CBD for Multiple Sclerosis

1. Make sure to check the quality of CBD products before buying — poor-quality products often contain contaminants that can make the condition worse. Look for certificates of analysis and companies that use organic hemp.
2. Avoid relying on CBD gummies for your daily dose of CBD — gummies are high in sugar, which has been linked with MS. Oils, tinctures, or capsules are better options.
3. Combine CBD supplementation with other diet and lifestyle modifications conducive to alleviating MS symptoms.
4. Always speak with your doctor before taking CBD or other cannabis products — especially if taking other medications.

Even if you can’t find products containing both THC and CBD, or don’t want the psychoactive effects from the THC, you can still use most CBD products. CBD will provide relief from several key symptoms of MS.

Related: Best CBD:THC Ratio for Multiple Sclerosis

What Type of CBD Products Are Best For MS?

The best option is to source a CBD product made with a full-spectrum extract.

These products include an array of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals from the cannabis plant. Each of these compounds work together to produce the overall effects of CBD oil.

With MS, it’s especially important to find oils that have third-party testing to prove they’re contaminant-free. Contaminants like arsenic, mercury, or cadmium can worsen the condition by causing further damage to the neurons.

There are a few products people with MS are using to support symptoms:

• CBD Oils — this is the most common form of CBD supplement for MS
• CBD Capsules — offer the same benefits of CBD oil without the need to do any measuring
• CBD Gummies — similar to CBD capsules, but rarely available in full-spectrum forms
• CBD Concentrates — shatters, waxes, and dabs deliver heavy doses of CBD in a small volume
• CBD Vape Pens — these offer the fastest onset of effects, but have the shortest duration

What’s The Dose of CBD For Multiple Sclerosis?

The dose of CBD can vary from one person to another, so it’s important you take some time to see what works best for you.

With that said, most MS patients, and MS research, used a heavier dose than usual (around 2 mg per kg or more).

Use our CBD oil dosage calculator to help find the optimal dose based on your weight and desired strength of effects.

CBD Dosage Calculator

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

MS is an autoimmune condition affecting the myelin insulation around nerve cells.

Without myelin, the nerves can’t transmit messages to the rest of the body or the brain.

The cause of MS is hard to determine in most cases but usually involves underlying autoimmune conditions. Autoimmunity happens when the body’s immune system begins attacking and destroying myelin on the nerve cells in the brain.

There is no cure for MS — most of the treatment options are aimed at slowing progression and easing symptoms.

MS can have different levels of severity from one person to the next — symptoms can be anywhere from mild to severe. However, the lifespan of those affected is generally the same as those without the disease. Some reports suggest a six-year difference between people with MS and those without.

What Are The Symptoms of MS?

• Difficulty speaking (dysarthria)
• Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
• Tremors
• Constipation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Visual abnormalities
• Weakness
• Spasticity
• Urinary dysfunction
• Cognitive impairment
• Pins and needles
• Seizures
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breathing disorders
• Itchiness
• Headaches

What Causes MS?

Roughly 1 in 700 people in the United States will be diagnosed with MS at some point in their lives. These figures are similar in other developed regions of the world. Twin studies on the condition have shown that although there are genetic components to the disease, it goes much deeper than that. With identical twins, if one has MS, the other only has a 30% chance of developing the condition — this is much lower than with other genetic disorders.

It’s hard to determine the individual causes of MS — it’s more than likely the condition is a combination of many different factors.

There are some factors that medical researchers have determined to be related to those affected. We call these risk factors for the condition. The more risk factors are present, the higher the chances of developing MS.

Risk Factors for MS

• Age (most common between the ages of 20 and 50)
• Gender (women are more than twice as likely to develop MS than men)
• Ethnicity (European descent has the highest rate of MS)
• Genetics (HLA-DR2 gene mutations may develop MS)
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Viral infection (EBV, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster)
• Other autoimmune conditions or atopy
• Exposure to heavy metals

Four Different Types of MS

1. Clinically Isolated Syndrome

This is the first episode of MS symptoms. Usually, the first sign of the disease is a sudden onset of symptoms that last more than 24 hours. When this happens only once, it’s referred to as clinically isolated. When these symptoms return, we can begin classifying them as a specific form of MS listed below.

2. Relapse-Remitting MS

This form of MS is characterized by bursts of intense symptoms followed by periods of remission. The condition gets gradually worse over time — often, over many years.

Roughly 85% of people with MS experience this form of the disease.

3. Primary-Progressive MS

This form of MS involves a steady progression of symptoms without remissions. It affects about 15% of MS cases on average.

Primary progressive MS involves a steady attack on myelin, producing a predictable worsening of symptoms over time.

Plateaus may occur from time to time, during which symptoms appear to remain the same for long periods. However, it’s unclear why some cases plateau for a while before continuing their progression. Good MS management will promote plateaus more often, but this isn’t always possible.

4. Secondary-Progressive MS

This is a hybrid of relapse-remitting and primary progressive MS. Symptoms generally start with initial episodes of relapse or remission before transitioning into something with a more steady progression of symptoms.

How Is MS Treated?

The most debilitating symptoms of MS are fatigue, muscle spasms/weakness, and nerve pain. Therefore, the primary treatment aim, aside from slowing the progression of the disease, is to address these symptoms as necessary.

Opiate and corticosteroid analgesics are often used to treat severe cases of pain. Otherwise, other analgesics such as acetaminophen are preferred because they produce fewer side effects and less potential for addiction.

Cannabis extracts — including CBD and THC — are also popular treatments for the pain associated with MS.

Emotional changes are common with the condition, so antidepressants and mood stabilizers are often prescribed.

There’s a chance CBD can interact with certain medications, so always check with your doctor before using it.

Common Medications for Multiple Sclerosis:

1. Antidepressants — to treat depression as a symptom of the condition.
2. Anti-inflammatories — TNF-a, NF-kB, eicosanoid synthesis modulators, and glucocorticoids.
3. Aubagio (Teriflunomide) — used for relapse-remitting MS.
4. Cannabis extract (CBD) — helps relieve symptoms of MS and may slow the progression of the disease.
5. Copaxone (Glatiramer) — stops the immune system from attacking myelin.
6. Corticosteroids — used for acute flare-ups of symptoms.
7. Interferon beta 1a or 1b — slow the progression of the condition but may cause liver damage.
8. Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) — suppresses the immune system to stop attacks but can damage the heart.
9. Tysabri (Natalizumab) — last-resort medication as it can lead to infection in the brain.
10. Vitamin D — often given because vitamin D deficiency is considered a risk factor.

Final Verdict: Can CBD Help With Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a slow-progressing neurodegenerative disorder affecting the myelin sheath on the neuron cells. As the myelin breaks down, the neurons lose their ability to transmit electrical signals to other areas of the brain and body.

CBD and THC have both been extensively tested to establish their role in alleviating symptoms of this condition. It appears that an even ratio of the two compounds is going to offer the most benefit, but products containing a high CBD content still have positive effects.

We recommend using a full-spectrum product at the higher end of the dosage scale for this condition. It’s also critically important that your doctor monitors your CBD use to avoid negative interactions with other medications and to ensure the best possible outcome.

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