Yesterday in my Long Beach office I evaluated a 45 year old man with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.   He came in requesting an evaluation to use medical marijuana for constant muscle pain and to help with his appetite. He was wheelchair bound and his speech was unintelligible  because his disease was progressing rapidly over the last nine months.    Unfortunately once ALS progresses to this point life expectancy is only months to a few years. It is with my utmost compassion that I assist him in any way so that the rest of his life can be a little bit more comfortable.

ALS is a disease which affects the nerves that provide motor function to the muscles.   It typically presents in patients age 30-60 and affects the muscles of the limbs.   Patients can complain of muscle weakness, fasciculations and loss of coordination.  If it affects the muscles of the face and neck patients can experience changes in speech, loss of control of tongue, drooling and drooping of facial muscles.   It typically is progressive and is fatal in 3-5 years.

Treatment options are limited.   There is no cure.    Most treatment centers around supportive measures and physical therapy.  In this patient he was using cannabis because he had been losing his appetite and was in constant pain from being wheelchair bound.   It also helped elevate his mood because he has been experiencing periodic episodes of depression.    After 15 minutes of speaking with him it was clear CANNABIS IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF HIS LIFE and he plans on using it until he succumbs to his illness.  Typically patients with ALS die from pulmonary infection (muscles of respiration become affected ultimately)

Using cannabis as a supportive medicine for ALS is certainly all physicians should consider.    If you or a loved one feels uncomfortable about discussing cannabis use with your doctor  feel free to contact me at 877-721-0047

Be blessed,