California residents who are a motor vehicle accident might suffer a spinal cord injury. In an incomplete spinal cord injury, there is a partial loss of control and feeling while in a complete spinal cord injury, there is a total loss. Typical symptoms that result from either type of injury include muscle spasticity, pain and an uncomfortable bowel and bladder. However, studies have shown that medical marijuana can help with these symptoms.

Muscle spasticity refers to the muscles contracting uncontrollably. Up to approximately three-fourths of people with a spinal cord injury suffer from this. A study conducted by the University of Manitoba found that more than 90 percent of people in the study had fewer instances of muscle spasticity when using a synthetic version of the drug.

The study found that people with a spinal cord injury who used a vaporized medicinal cannabis experienced less pain and other ailments. Furthermore, cannabis has fewer side effects and a lower addiction risk compared to other drugs used for similar purposes such as opioids. A Swiss study found that THC was also helpful in bladder control for people with spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries after an automobile accident may result in a need for lifelong care. The amount offered by the responsible driver’s insurance company might not be enough to cover these expenses. The injured person may want to have the assistance of legal counsel when trying to negotiate a more appropriate settlement. If that is not forthcoming, the filing of a lawsuit might be advisable.