Medical Marijuana for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in Florida
A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons controlling movement.
Medically reviewed by Bruce Stratt, MD
Board-Certified Physician · OMMU Certified · Boca Raton, FL
Overview
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of voluntary muscle control. Patients experience progressive weakness, muscle atrophy, clumsiness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and uncontrollable emotional outbursts. The disease only worsens with time — symptoms that begin as mild twitching can progress to complete loss of mobility.
ALS is almost universally fatal, with a median survival of 2-5 years from symptom onset. The only FDA-approved medication, riluzole, can modestly slow progression by lowering glutamate levels but cannot regenerate damaged neurons — and it extends life by only a few months at best. Treatment therefore focuses on a multidisciplinary approach including physical therapy, speech therapy, breathing support, nutritional assistance, and rigorous symptom management.
How Medical Cannabis May Help
Recent research suggests medical cannabis may be among the most effective treatments for managing ALS symptoms. THC has been shown to delay disease progression in some cases — potentially extending life by years rather than months compared to riluzole alone. Cannabinoids provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant advantages, and some researchers believe cannabis acts as a neuroprotectant. Cannabis addresses multiple ALS symptom clusters simultaneously: reducing muscle spasms and spasticity, alleviating chronic pain, stimulating appetite and combating weight loss, improving mood and depression, controlling excessive secretions (drooling), and supporting respiratory function. For patients with swallowing difficulties, oral tinctures, edibles, oils, topical creams, and vaporized forms provide accessible delivery methods that don't require smoking.
Individual results vary. Consult with Dr. Stratt to understand how cannabis therapy may apply to your specific situation.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring a valid Florida ID and neurology records confirming ALS diagnosis, current medication list, and documentation of symptoms being treated.
Get Certified for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Stratt. Same-day state registry submissions for qualifying patients.