Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) is a rare, often misunderstood condition caused by the compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. This anatomical anomaly can lead to severe, chronic abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and unintended weight loss. As patients and clinicians seek better treatment outcomes, some have turned to alternative therapies, including medical marijuana, to manage MALS symptoms—especially those related to pain and gastrointestinal distress.
Understanding MALS
MALS typically presents in young to middle-aged women and is frequently misdiagnosed due to symptom overlap with more common gastrointestinal disorders. The condition is confirmed through imaging studies such as CT angiography or Doppler ultrasound. Surgical intervention, namely celiac artery decompression, remains the standard treatment, although outcomes can be variable and recovery prolonged.
The Role of Marijuana in Symptom Management
Medical marijuana is increasingly recognized for its analgesic and antiemetic properties. In MALS patients, where chronic pain and digestive issues are central symptoms, cannabinoids may offer symptomatic relief. THC and CBD, the two most studied cannabinoids, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially modulating pain signals and reducing inflammation.
While research specific to MALS is limited, parallels can be drawn from marijuana’s effectiveness in treating similar chronic abdominal pain syndromes, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. Patients who have used cannabis therapeutically for MALS report reduced pain levels, better appetite, and improved quality of life, although these accounts remain largely anecdotal.
Caution and Considerations
Despite these promising indicators, marijuana is not without risks. Side effects can include dizziness, altered cognition, and potential dependency. Moreover, because MALS often requires surgical intervention, cannabis use should be carefully discussed with healthcare providers to avoid interactions with anesthesia or postoperative medications.
The need for formal clinical studies investigating cannabis’s role in MALS treatment remains pressing. With only a handful of peer-reviewed papers touching on cannabis use in gastrointestinal conditions, more targeted research could clarify efficacy, dosage, and long-term safety.
References:
- Harjola, P.T. (1963). “A rare obstruction of the coeliac artery.” Annales Chirurgiae et Gynaecologiae Fenniae.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- Baron, E.P. (2018). “Medicinal properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139–1186.
