Muscle Spasms and Marijuana. Marijuana has been shown to help reduce muscle spasms, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), where spasticity is common. Its effectiveness is mostly attributed to the actions of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to relieve inflammation, decrease spasm frequency, and relax muscles. In this article, we’ll explore relevant research about marijuana and muscle spasms, tips for using, and some patient feedback on which delivery methods work best for them.
• Both THC (the psychoactive compound) and CBD (non-intoxicating) have muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The majority of people using medical cannabis for muscle spasms report noticeable relief, though objective measurements of spasm reduction are sometimes inconsistent across studies.
• Most of the medical evidence comes from studies on MS or similar neurological conditions, but there is growing anecdotal and limited clinical support for cannabis reducing common muscle cramps and spasms from other causes as well.
• According to research, side effects may include changes in sleep, fatigue, memory, appetite, mood, and reaction time, with THC sometimes causing intoxication or paranoia in some users.
While marijuana is not a universal cure and research is ongoing, substantial evidence and patient testimony support its use for muscle spasm relief, particularly where other treatments have not been effective. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low THC and/or CBD dose, cautiously increasing until effective relief is achieved without unwanted intoxication.
Balanced THC:CBD Products: Clinical studies often use the 1:1 balance of THC and CBD, as it may maximize benefits and limit side effects.
• Typical Dosages: CBD: Start at 5 mg twice daily, increasing by 10 mg every 2–3 days up to 40 mg per day. THC: If CBD alone is insufficient, add THC starting at 1–2.5 mg per day, increasing by 1–2.5 mg every several days (not exceeding about 20–25 mg per day for most individuals).
For urgent cases or THC-experienced users, protocols may begin with 2.5–5 mg each of THC and CBD once or twice daily and titrate up as needed.
– Note for THC: Higher THC may increase psychoactive effects; patients sensitive to THC may prefer high-CBD, low-THC strains.
High-CBD or Balanced Strains
ACDC, Cannatonic – Less psychoactive, great for inflammation and general spasticity
Harlequin – Balanced THC:CBD, daytime-friendly
High-THC Indica Strains
Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights – Strong muscle relaxants, better for nighttime
Marijuana may be beneficial for managing muscle spasms, particularly when they’re linked to neurological disorders like MS or spinal cord injury. The best results often come from balanced THC:CBD formulations and individualized treatment plans from working with a medical marijuana doctor.
If you’re ready to get started with marijuana for the treatment of muscle spasms, the physicians and healing specialists at The Healing Clinics are ready to help. Click the button below to get started.
Muscle Spasms and Medical Marijuana – MMTC https://www.mmtcfl.com/conditions/muscle-spasms/
Medical Marijuana for Treating Muscle Spasticity https://premierneurologycenter.com/blog/medical-marijuana-for-treating-muscle-spasticity/
MARIJUANA AND MUSCLE SPASTICITY – NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224382/
Cannabis treatments and therapies for MS – MS Society https://www.mssociety.org.uk/living-with-ms/treatments-and-therapies/cannabis
How marijuana impacts pain, sleep, anxiety and more, according to … https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/30/health/marijuana-pros-and-cons-wellness
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treatment with medical cannabis https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-treatment-with-medical-cannabis/
Climbing the Evidence Pyramid: Dosing Considerations for Medical … https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10134049/
Office of Medical Cannabis Dosages and Compositions Report 2018 https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2018/mandated/181292.pdf
Consensus recommendations on dosing and administration of … https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00073-1
Cannabis-Based Medicine for Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity—A … https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459421/
Our patients shared their outcomes with different medical marijuana products, allowing us to compile which products were customer favorites for each condition. There are so many choices that getting started can be confusing. Contact The Healing Clinics and let us help you through your healing journey. In the meantime, take a look at this valuable resource from our patients.
Information shared in this table is compiled from patient feedback and is under copyright by The Healing Clinics, LLC. Any sharing or use without prior approval or proper attribution is prohibited. Please contact info@thehealingclinics.com for more information.
| Cannabis for Muscle Spasms | Percent of Patients |
|---|---|
| Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms=Flower | 38.60% |
| Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms=Edibles | 32.75% |
| Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms=Vaporizers | 18.13% |
| Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms=Tincture | 5.85% |
| Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms=Concentrates | 2.34% |
| Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms=Topicals | 2.34% |
