Yo, what up world? It’s your boy Dan here, and today we’re talking about restless leg syndrome (RLS). For those of you who don’t know, RLS is a condition that makes you feel like ants are crawling all over your legs and gives you this uncontrollable urge to move them. It’s literally the worst, especially when you’re trying to sleep or chill out after a long day. But guess what? There might be a solution for us RLS sufferers out there: cannabis.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Dan, you can’t just smoke weed and expect all your problems to go away.” And I hear you, fam. But hear me out. According to recent research, cannabis might actually be able to help alleviate some of the symptoms of RLS.
So, what is RLS anyways? Well, it’s a neurological condition that can affect people of all ages. The symptoms usually get worse with age though, which is just great news for all of us out there who suffer from it. The worst part about this condition is that the symptoms tend to get worse at night, making it hard for us to sleep and function throughout the day.
But wait, there’s more! RLS can also have a huge impact on our social lives. I mean, think about it. If you’re constantly feeling uncomfortable and restless in social settings where you have to sit or stand for extended periods of time, it can be hard to go out and enjoy yourself. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and depression.
So, how can cannabis help? Well, according to studies performed at the Clinical Neurosciences Center at Bordeaux University Hospital, cannabis containing CBD was found to alleviate RLS symptoms in a small group of subjects. Five out of six participants reported that their symptoms entirely disappeared after consuming cannabis. And not only did their symptoms disappear, but all of the participants in the study reported an improvement in their sleep after their treatment with cannabis ended.
In another study on “Sleep, Pain and Cannabis” published in 2015 in the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy, researchers suggest that cannabis could possibly help with conditions such as sleep apnea or RLS—conditions that involve sleeping troubles and/or pain. However, the researchers do conclude that more research in this area is needed.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Dan, what strains should I be smoking for my RLS?” Well, my friend, strains that have a sedating and/or pain-relieving effect can be best. Look for strains that are high in THC (to promote drowsiness) and/or high in CBD (to reduce anxiety) because such strains can help you achieve a good night’s sleep.
So, while we wait for more studies to unveil cannabis’ full potential for treating restless leg syndrome, many patients say it’s worth it to experiment with the herb to find relief. Anecdotal accounts may not be entirely verifiable, but the success stories are certainly growing in number. Hopefully, we can look forward to more research on treating RLS with cannabis in the near future. Peace out, y’all!