PBG GLOBAL

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that damages myelin, a substance that protects neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). It affects over 2.3 million people worldwide [1],[2] and has four clinical forms, with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) accounting for 87% of the cases [3]. The cause of the disease is complex and not yet clear. Studies suggest that genetics, environmental factors, and infectious agents may all play a role in the development of MS [3]. There is currently no cure for MS. Standard MS medications aim to reduce inflammation, protect myelin, delaying the progression of the disease. These medications fall into two broad categories: anti-inflammatory disease-modifying therapies, and remyelinating-neuroprotecting therapies [2].

CBD and multiple sclerosis

Patients with MS need to manage symptoms of the disease such as pain, poor sleep, and emotional deterioration to maintain their quality of life. CBD could help, as it reduces inflammation (and thus helps relieve pain) [8][4], improves sleep quality[7], and positively affects the mood [5].

Moreover, CBD could expand its applications beyond symptomatic relief. Preliminary data suggests that the activation of CB2 receptors in immune and CNS cells inhibit one of the agents responsible for the degradation of myelin. These receptors might also help rebuild myelin by stimulating its production process [5]. However, more in-depth research is needed to shed light on the therapeutic potential of these receptors in MS.

Dosing recommendations for multiple sclerosis patients

Is CBD safe?

Yes. CBD is considered safe for multiple sclerosis.

What is the recommended daily dose?

Start with 1 mg/kg/day and titrate to effect
- possibly as high as
20 mg/kg/day. Read General recommendations!

Should I take it before or after a meal?

CBD should be taken during, or after a meal.

How many times a day should I take CBD?

Take your dose twice
a day. Half of it in the morning and the other half in the evening.

Are there any known drug interactions?

Some. Read Side effects for more information.

Bibliography

1. Browne P, Chandraratna D, Angood C, et al: Atlas of Multiple Sclerosis 2013: A growing global problem with widespread inequity. Neurology 83: 1022-1024, 2014.

2. Macaron G and Ontaneda D: Diagnosis and Management of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 7: 56, 2019.

3. Loma I and Heyman R: Multiple sclerosis: pathogenesis and treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 9: 409-416, 2011.

4. Bruni N, Della Pepa C, Oliaro-Bosso S, Pessione E, Gastaldi D and Dosio F: Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment. Molecules 23: 2478, 2018.

5. Marrie RA and Hanwell H: General Health Issues in Multiple Sclerosis: Comorbidities, Secondary Conditions, and Health Behaviors. CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology 19: 1046-1057, 2013

6. Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H and Hughes S: Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J 23: 18-041, 2019.

7. Nagarkatti P, Pandey R, Rieder SA, Hegde VL and Nagarkatti M: Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Med Chem 1: 1333-1349, 2009.