Expert review finds nabiximols effective for MS spasticity when first-line drugs fail
An expert review of over 7,500 patients across 33 studies found nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) is safe and effective for treating MS-related spasticity that does not respond to first-line oral medications, while finding no scientific evidence for smoked marijuana in MS.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Evidence-based data from 33 studies with over 7,500 patients supports nabiximols for MS-related spasticity, pain, and urinary symptoms. However, the review found no scientific evidence supporting smoked marijuana for MS patients.
Key Numbers
33 studies reviewed, over 7,500 patients. 12 studies from the UK, 11 from Italy. Nabiximols treats spasticity, pain, and urinary symptoms.
How They Did This
Expert review examining published clinical evidence on cannabis-derived treatments for MS, including 33 studies (12 from the UK, 11 from Italy) involving nabiximols.
Why This Research Matters
The review distinguishes between evidence-based cannabis medicine (nabiximols) and unregulated marijuana smoking, providing clinicians with clear guidance on what cannabis-related treatments have actual support.
The Bigger Picture
Despite growing interest in medical marijuana for MS, the evidence specifically supports pharmaceutical-grade nabiximols rather than smoked cannabis, highlighting the gap between patient expectations and scientific evidence.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Expert review rather than systematic review or meta-analysis. Legislation, cost, and prescribing restrictions limit real-world access and experience with nabiximols in many countries.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why has smoked marijuana bypassed traditional clinical trials for MS?
- ?Would broader access to nabiximols reduce use of unregulated cannabis products among MS patients?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 33 studies, 7,500+ patients support nabiximols for MS spasticity
- Evidence Grade:
- Strong: large evidence base across 33 studies and multiple countries, though presented as an expert review rather than systematic review.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2020 in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis and multiple sclerosis.
- Published In:
- Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 20(8), 849-854 (2020)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02557
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is nabiximols?
Nabiximols (brand name Sativex) is a pharmaceutical spray containing a standardized ratio of THC and CBD extracted from cannabis plants. It is sprayed under the tongue and is approved in some countries for MS-related spasticity.
Can smoking marijuana help MS?
According to this expert review, there is no scientific evidence that smoking marijuana provides benefits for MS patients. The evidence specifically supports nabiximols, a pharmaceutical-grade product, not smoked cannabis.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02557APA
Fragoso, Yara Dadalti; Carra, Adriana; Macias, Miguel Angel. (2020). Cannabis and multiple sclerosis.. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 20(8), 849-854. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2020.1776610
MLA
Fragoso, Yara Dadalti, et al. "Cannabis and multiple sclerosis.." Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2020.1776610
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis and multiple sclerosis." RTHC-02557. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/fragoso-2020-cannabis-and-multiple-sclerosis
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.