Compare the Best CBD Oil for Multiple Sclerosis in 2022

How CBD May Help With Multiple Sclerosis

A 2018 study from the journal Frontiers in Neurology suggested that CBD may help improve mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis⁽¹⁾.

Multiple sclerosis is a long-lasting disease of the central nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord⁽²⁾. 

CBD (cannabidiol), a plant-based cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, is believed to have pain-relieving effects and anti-inflammatory properties^(3-5). These purported health benefits may help with multiple sclerosis symptoms. 

A review from CNS and Neurological Disorders suggested that CBD appears to have a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain⁽⁶⁾. Serotonin is the hormone responsible for stabilizing people’s mood, happiness, and overall well-being. 

Research supports the notion that some depressed individuals have reduced serotonin transmission⁽⁷⁾. 

Since CBD seems to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain positively, the non-psychoactive compound may help with depression. The condition is a common MS symptom along with inflammation, pain, fatigue, and muscle spasticity⁽⁸⁾. 

Aside from CBD’s purported therapeutic effects, the compound may also interact with the body’s ECS or endocannabinoid system⁽⁹⁾. 

The ECS plays a prominent role in the human body for survival by maintaining homeostasis⁽¹⁰⁾. Homeostasis refers to how biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to environmental conditions. 

THE ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and enzymes⁽¹¹⁾. 

A study hypothesized that the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors may reduce nociceptive processing in an acute and chronic animal model of pain⁽¹²⁾.  

Damage to the body tissue causes nociceptive pain. In multiple sclerosis, nociceptive pain may result from musculoskeletal issues like muscle spasms, injuries, or stiffness⁽¹³⁾. 

Although CBD has little binding affinity for both cannabinoid receptors, the compound may antagonize them in the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)⁽¹⁴⁾. 

THC is the mind-altering chemical in resin produced by buds and leaves primarily of the female cannabis plant⁽¹⁵⁾. 

It has been demonstrated that CBD may act synergistically with THC and contribute to the analgesic properties of medicinal-based cannabis extract⁽¹⁶⁾. 

In addition, CBD may reduce the efficacy and potency of THC and reduce the perception of pain⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Research from the British Journal of Pharmacology mentioned that cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, have shown promise in animal models of multiple sclerosis⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Sativex, an oromucosal spray delivering THC and CBD, is believed to be effective in pain control and spasticity⁽¹⁹⁾. Spasticity causes muscle stiffness or an abnormal increase in muscle tone. 

While these findings are promising, more longitudinal human clinical trials are warranted to confirm CBD’s efficacy as a medical treatment option for multiple sclerosis. 

The Benefits of CBD for Multiple Sclerosis

Research from the journal Frontiers in Neurology suggests that CBD has various beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties⁽²⁰⁾. 

A web-based survey hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society showed that 66% of individuals with MS use cannabis for symptoms of multiple sclerosis⁽²¹⁾. 

The term “cannabis” refers to products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant⁽²²⁾. 

An article from the NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) mentioned that there are pieces of evidence that suggest modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, for chronic pain and MS⁽²³⁾.

A study from the Neural Plasticity journal examined the efficacy of Sativex in the management of MS-related spasticity⁽²⁴⁾.  

Sativex is an oromucosal spray that acts as a partial agonist at cannabinoid receptors. The drug is used to help regulate the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, resulting in muscle relaxation. 

Sativex has a 1:1 CBD-THC ratio⁽²⁵⁾. 

Researchers conducted a single-center, five-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial in 66 MS patients with central pain⁽²⁶⁾.

The researchers used a whole-plant CBM (cannabis-based medicine) containing THC and CBD delivered via an oromucosal spray. 

Each spray delivered 2.7mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD. Meanwhile, patients could gradually self-titrate (increase their dosage) to a maximum of 48 sprays in 24 hours. 

The results showed that CBM may help reduce pain and sleep disturbance in patients with MS-related central neuropathic pain. CBM may also be well tolerated⁽²⁷⁾. For these reasons, using CBD may benefit those people with multiple sclerosis.  

How to Take CBD for Multiple Sclerosis

CBD oil products for multiple sclerosis are available in various forms and formulations, including:

• CBD topicals like creams, lotions, and salves 
• CBD tinctures
• CBD edibles like capsules and gummies
• CBD vapes  

You may apply CBD tinctures sublingually (under the tongue)⁽²⁸⁾. 

The sublingual route of administration relies on the mucous membranes under the tongue. The capillaries in the connective tissue diffuse CBD, which penetrates the bloodstream. 

The sublingual method is also a fast-acting solution, with an onset time between 15 to 30 minutes⁽²⁹⁾. 

Hence, multiple sclerosis patients seeking immediate relief may find the sublingual route beneficial.

CBD Dosage for Multiple Sclerosis

Sativex has been used in the management of MS-related spasticity⁽³⁰⁾. Still, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved Sativex (nabiximols) as a medical treatment⁽³¹⁾. 

Therefore, there is no standard CBD dosage for multiple sclerosis⁽³²⁾. 

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), cannabidiol has a good safety profile and is well tolerated in humans and animals⁽³³⁾. 

In addition, mid-range doses of CBD between 10mg and 100mg per day may help with pain, inflammation, depression, and multiple sclerosis⁽³⁴⁾. 

Still, it is best to work with a physician experienced in the use of CBD or medical marijuana for accurate dosage and delivery methods.   

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Multiple Sclerosis?

How long CBD takes to help with multiple sclerosis depends on a few factors, including the method of administration. 

For instance, if you take CBD under your tongue, you will typically feel the effects of CBD within 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁵⁾. 

Meanwhile, you will usually feel the effects of CBD within 30 to 90 minutes if you choose CBD edibles⁽³⁶⁾. 

You can add CBD oil or tincture to your food and beverages⁽³⁷⁾. 

A study from the University of Minnesota hypothesized that high-fat food may increase oral CBD absorption into the body⁽³⁸⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Multiple Sclerosis?

The sublingual route avoids the stomach and liver. Therefore, the bioavailability of CBD in this method is between 6% and 20%⁽³⁹⁾. 

On the other hand, the bioavailability of CBD via the ingestion route is between 6% and 15%⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Bioavailability refers to a measure of absorption rate⁽⁴¹⁾. It is the extent to which a substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destination⁽⁴²⁾. 

How to Choose the Right CBD for Multiple Sclerosis

Choosing the right CBD products for MS can be challenging because various CBD brands are available, especially online. 

Below are a few important factors you must consider before purchasing CBD oil to help manage symptoms of MS and improve overall wellness:

1. Learn more about CBD extracts. You may choose full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolates.

A CBD product is considered full spectrum if all extracts of the cannabis plant, including cannabidiol and other cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes, and flavonoids, are used⁽⁴³⁾. 

A product should also have a THC concentration of less than 0.3%⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Terpenes are the components of essential oils responsible for the aroma of cannabis⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

On the other hand, flavonoids are active compounds found in cannabis. They contribute to the pigmentation, aroma, and flavor of cannabis through synergistic relationships with active compounds like terpenes⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Unlike full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD is nearly THC-free⁽⁴⁷⁾. Meanwhile, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD.  

2. Research about CBD brands, dispensaries, and online stores. Find out how other customers perceive these merchants by reading customer reviews and feedback about their products.

3. Look for COAs (certificates of analysis) and lab reports. Ensure that the CBD company you choose enlists the services of a third-party laboratory. 

COA and lab reports must provide the product’s CBD content and confirm the absence of residual solvents, pesticides, and other harmful substances. 

4. Check if the brand’s product label claims match the values in the COA. Also, look for any disclaimers regarding the product.  

5. If you have food allergies, be particularly diligent about choosing CBD products with carrier oils you know are safe for you. Ensure that all active ingredients are specified on the label. 

Common carrier oils include olive oil, MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil from coconut oil, and hempseed oil. 

Although hempseed oil does not contain CBD, the extract is rich in nutrients and fatty acids⁽⁴⁸⁾. Hempseed oil is made from the pressed seeds of hemp plants. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Multiple Sclerosis

CBD is relatively safe and well tolerated in humans and animals⁽⁴⁹⁾. Still, this non-psychoactive compound may carry some risks and minor side effects, such as⁽⁵⁰⁾:

• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 

Another cause for concern is CBD’s possible interaction with other prescription medications. 

Cannabidiol may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzyme production at high doses⁽⁵¹⁾. 

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are a family of liver enzymes that metabolize almost 60% of the pharmaceutical drugs people consume⁽⁵²⁾. 

Corticosteroids (steroids) are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis attacks⁽⁵³⁾.  

Corticosteroids may interact with CBD⁽⁵⁴⁾. They may also induce side effects like increased blood pressure⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill removed the term “hemp” from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. Currently, hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L. and cannabis derivatives with less than 0.3% THC concentration on a dry weight basis^(56-57).  

Some states have passed laws allowing the use of recreational or medical marijuana. For example, Colorado legalized marijuana for adults over age 21^(58-59). 

Rules and regulations regarding medical cannabis and legal marijuana vary in each state. Thus, awareness of these legislations is important. 

In addition, a talk with a physician experienced in cannabis use is highly recommended if you are considering using cannabis products like cannabis oils for MS or any medical conditions.