Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses rapidly. The disease kills neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, eventually leading to death. There is no cure and no comfortable treatment. However, studies show marijuana effectively slowing disease progression, as well as relieving the devastating symptoms associated with this condition. Understanding ALS Also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS specifically affects nerve cells within the motor cortex, spinal cord, and brain. These same neurons control voluntary muscle movement throughout various parts of the body. Since the disease starves brain neurons of nourishment, ultimately causing their death, the brain can no longer communicate with or control muscles. Eventually, sufferers lose voluntary movement, gradually losing all ability to eat, talk, and even breathe. The recent Ice Bucket Challenge attracted huge attention to this disease, raising money to fund research in the process. Its cause remains a mystery, but scientists are finding …