These conditions are independent of each other but have similar underlying mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all involve some degree of inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain that either causes the breakdown of nerves directly or serves as sustaining factors for the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CBD produces well-known anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects within the body. It\u2019s through these effects that CBD is, therefore, thought to be useful for a spectrum of neurological disorders \u2014 including ALS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, aside from a clinical report on spasticity [10<\/a>], there are unfortunately no clinical trials involving the use of CBD for ALS to confirm these effects conclusively. Therefore, all we have to go off at the moment are case studies, animal studies, in vitro research, and correlation studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A review of CBD and ALS was recently published [4<\/a>] calling for more research in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The study highlighted a list of hypothetical benefits CBD is believed to offer ALS patients, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease because of the famous baseball player who was forced to retire from the sport in 1939 after being diagnosed with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The disease involves gradual muscle paralysis as the neurons controlling the muscles break down. We each have millions of specialized nerve cells \u2014 called motor neurons \u2014 tasked with transmitting messages from the brain to the muscles and back again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually, as these motor neurons are destroyed, those affected are no longer able to walk, talk, eat, or drink. The disease ultimately becomes fatal when the motor neurons controlling the lungs fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This form of ALS can affect anybody \u2014 regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it is more common in men, caucasian people, and persons older than 60 years, with peak onset around 58 to 63 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Familial ALS is an inherited form of the disease. It accounts for 5% to 10% of cases. Peak age at onset is 47 to 52 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bulbar ALS refers to the starting point for the neurons affected. People with both familial or sporadic ALS can have the bulbar form of ALS. With this type, the motor neurons in the corticobulbar region of the brainstem are affected first. Therefore, the muscles in the face, neck, and head to become paralyzed before other areas of the body. This is as opposed to limb onset ALS or respiratory onset ALS that begin in the limbs or diaphragm, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact cause is unknown, but there are a few theories for contributing factors for the disease, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no cure for ALS but there are a few treatments available, such as FDA-approved riluzole and edaravone. Riluzole, a glutamatergic neurotransmission inhibitor, does not provide relief from the symptoms of ALS, but it can extend life expectancy by two to three months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Edaravone, an antioxidant drug, can slow the decline of daily functions and halt the progression of ALS. CBD interacts with some medications<\/a>, so always check with your doctor before using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other treatments for ALS include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s clear that more research is needed to investigate the effects of CBD on ALS in human subjects. However, the research we do have is very promising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CBD and many of the other cannabinoids<\/a>, including delta 9 THC<\/a> and CBG<\/a>, have been shown to offer significant benefits toward many of the uncomfortable symptoms involved with the condition. Therefore, they have been implicated as a potentially effective adjunct treatment for a series of other, related neurodegenerative disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both CBD and THC could offer support for the condition. Most of the case studies showing improvements in lifespan and symptoms were using marijuana containing both THC and CBD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, we recommend opting for a full-spectrum CBD oil<\/a> rather than a purified CBD extract with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed. But depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to CBD products that contain THC in concentrations higher than about 0.3%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some places, patients with ALS can apply through a medical marijuana program to receive oils<\/a>, tinctures, concentrates<\/a>, or raw cannabis buds that contain high levels of both CBD and THC. The current research to date suggests this is the best option for ALS sufferers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you\u2019re unable to get any hemp or marijuana products that contain THC, that\u2019s okay. CBD is still likely to be effective for this condition and is generally better for relieving muscle tremors, insomnia, and anxiety than products containing THC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, as with any neurodegenerative disorder, it\u2019s wise to speak with your physician before trying CBD or marijuana products for ALS symptoms because, in rare cases, CBD oils may have a negative interaction with other medication you might be taking, and you may also require liver enzyme monitoring . Therefore, it\u2019s better to ask your doctor before assuming it\u2019s 100% safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, there are no clinical studies investigating the effects of CBD for ALS sufferers, despite years of case studies and promising research on related neurological disorders. However, there are a lot of case studies showing positive anecdotal impacts with both legal and illegal cannabis and CBD use [5<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that THC is also beneficial for ALS. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An animal study published in 2004 investigated the role of THC \u2014 the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant \u2014 on mice with ALS to measure any changes [6<\/a>]. The results of this study reported that the mice who were given THC had significantly less severity with their symptoms than mice not given the THC treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other studies have found that THC protects the motor neurons in the spinal cord [8<\/a>], which are critically involved with the development of ALS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n THC has also been shown to be \u201cextremely effective\u201d at reducing oxidative damage induced by a known neurotoxic oxidative compound known as tert-butyl hydroperoxide [9<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because there are no good clinical trials involving CBD for ALS, there are no specific dosages identified nor characteristic results to be expected. However, studies involving CBD and other neurodegenerative disorders often report that high dosages are needed to receive benefits. Therefore, it\u2019s likely to assume that the dose for ALS is also higher than average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend starting with a low dose and building up gradually by adding 2 mg to 5 mg of CBD each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once symptoms are alleviated, you\u2019ve found the right dose. According to case reports, CBD can relieve symptoms such as insomnia, pain, and muscle tremors almost immediately, while the longevity-enhancing effects of the compound would take much longer and won\u2019t be as noticeable. Further research would be needed to confirm these kinds of effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, for best results, it\u2019s recommended that you aim for the high-strength dose of CBD, and take this dose consistently over the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTips to Getting the Most Out of Your CBD<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/dailycbd.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/11\/cbdworld-als-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat is ALS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of ALS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There Are Two Different Types of ALS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Sporadic ALS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Familial ALS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another Manifestation of ALS: Bulbar ALS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Causes ALS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/dailycbd.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/11\/cbdworld-als-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCommon Medications for ALS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Guide to Using CBD for ALS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What the Research Says<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dailycbd.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/11\/cbdworld-als-3.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat’s the Recommended Dose of CBD?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n