Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appears to result from a number of abnormal physiological processes occurring simultaneously.
In order to address all the known pathophysiologies of ALS, multiple drugs used would have to include: a glutamate antagonist, an antioxidant, a centrally acting anti-inflammatory agent, a microglial cell modulator, an anti-apoptotic agent, a neurotrophic growth factor, and a mitochondrial function enhancing agent. In other words, a lot of prescriptions.
Amazingly, cannabis (marijuana) seems to have activity in ALL of those areas!
This mouse study states that pre-clinical data of cannabis on ALS translates into prolonged nerve cell survival, delayed onset, and slower progression of the disease.
The authors go on to state that based on currently available science, it is reasonable to think that cannabis might significantly slow the progression of ALS, potentially extend life expectancy, and substantially reduce the overall burden of the disease.
