Cannabinoid Neurobiology and Medical Cannabis Intervention for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative condition that leads to muscle wasting, weakness, and stiffness, is characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower extremity muscle cells. The development of therapies that do more than just slow disease progression is essential. Cannabinoids with a broad-spectrum neuroprotection profile appear to have the potential to manage ALS. Cannabinoids can reduce excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation via activating CB1 and CB2 receptors. To increase treatment efficacy and reduce side effects, cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, can effectively alleviate ALS-related symptoms, including spasticity and neuropathic pruritus. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the effectiveness and the molecular pathways that cannabis activates to exert its potential pharmacotherapeutic effects for alleviating ALS-related symptoms.