" I have myasthenia gravis and the meds do nothing but give me horrible side effects. I’m interested in knowing what marijuana could do for me."
Great question. It turns out that cannabinoids found in marijuana actually inhibit acetylcholinesterase (the mechanism of action of myasthenia gravis medications). Therefore, acetylcholine levels are increased at the neuromuscular junction which helps overcome the autoimmune blockade of acetylcholine receptors, promoting muscle contraction.
Several studies have been done to demonstrate this in the animal model. There are anecdotal reports of cannabis being beneficial in humans with myasthenia gravis, but more research is needed. Illinois has listed myasthenia gravis as a condition appropriate for medical marijuana.
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