A meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials with 2,544 MS patients found cannabis-based therapies significantly improved spasticity scores, with larger effects in longer-duration studies.
MS patients dealing with spasticity, neurologists, physical therapists, and medical cannabis prescribers
What the researchers found
Overall standardized mean difference of 39.19 (95% CI: 34.32-44.05) in spasticity scores post-treatment; long-term studies showed larger effects (MD=75.81) compared to short-term (MD=4.53), with generally mild adverse events.
Why it matters
MS spasticity significantly impacts quality of life and responds poorly to many existing medications — this meta-analysis provides the strongest collective evidence yet for cannabis as a treatment option.
The numbers in context
9 clinical trials; 2,544 patients; Ashworth scale MD=20.36; NRS MD=1.18; short-term MD=4.53; long-term MD=75.81; adverse events generally mild (dizziness, dry mouth).
How the study worked
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials (2003-2021) involving 2,544 MS patients, using Ashworth scale, visual analog scale, and numeric rating scale, with random and fixed effects models.
What this study cannot tell us
Substantial heterogeneity (I²=100% for overall analysis); suspected publication bias from funnel plot asymmetry; studies used different cannabinoid formulations making direct comparison difficult.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials provides moderate-quality evidence, tempered by high heterogeneity and suspected publication bias.
When this study was published
Published in 2026, synthesizing clinical trial data from 2003-2021 on this well-established indication.
The bigger picture
The dose-duration relationship (larger effects with longer use) suggests cannabis therapies for MS spasticity may work best as sustained treatments rather than acute interventions.
Questions still open
- What is the optimal cannabinoid formulation and dosing schedule for MS spasticity? How do long-term cannabis therapies compare to conventional antispasticity agents?
Common questions
Does cannabis help with MS spasticity?
What cannabis products were studied for MS?
Read the original research
Assessing the Role of Cannabis in Managing Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Clinical therapeutics, 48(1), 13-21
Citation
AlHabil, Yazan; Saadeddin, Liza; Ishkirat, Hana; Alqam, Mariam; Hossoon, Obada; Hameedi, Seema; Yacoub, Hamzeh; Yasin, Diana; Bahbah, Anita; Oweidat, Majd; Mosa, Hanadi. (2026). Assessing the Role of Cannabis in Managing Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Clinical therapeutics, 48(1), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2025.07.009
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