Cannabis-Based Treatments Reduce MS Spasticity, Meta-Analysis Confirms
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?What is the optimal cannabinoid formulation and dosing schedule for MS spasticity?
- ?How do long-term cannabis therapies compare to conventional antispasticity agents?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials provides moderate-quality evidence, tempered by high heterogeneity and suspected publication bias.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2026, synthesizing clinical trial data from 2003-2021 on this well-established indication.
- Original Title:
- Assessing the Role of Cannabis in Managing Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Published In:
- Clinical therapeutics, 48(1), 13-21 (2026)
- Authors:
- AlHabil, Yazan, Saadeddin, Liza, Ishkirat, Hana, Alqam, Mariam, Hossoon, Obada, Hameedi, Seema, Yacoub, Hamzeh, Yasin, Diana, Bahbah, Anita, Oweidat, Majd, Mosa, Hanadi
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08072
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis help with MS spasticity?
Yes — this meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials found statistically significant improvements in spasticity scores, with longer treatment periods producing larger benefits and side effects generally limited to dizziness and dry mouth.
What cannabis products were studied for MS?
Studies used various formulations including whole-plant extracts, oils, and smoked cannabis containing THC and/or CBD. The specific product and formulation varied across trials.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08072APA
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
MLA
AlHabil, Yazan, et al. "Assessing the Role of Cannabis in Managing Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.." Clinical therapeutics, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2025.07.009
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Assessing the Role of Cannabis in Managing Spasticity in Mul..." RTHC-08072. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/alhabil-2026-assessing-the-role-of
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.