A review of clinical studies found that cannabis-based treatments, particularly nabiximols oromucosal spray and oral cannabinoids, consistently reduced pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.
MS patients considering cannabis treatment, neurologists, and anyone interested in evidence-based cannabinoid therapeutics.
Pain and spasticity: consistent benefit. Other MS symptoms: inconsistent evidence.
What the researchers found
Nabiximols (oromucosal spray) demonstrated improvement in MS spasticity, pain, and quality of life with tolerable adverse effects. Oral cannabinoids were significantly effective for MS pain and spasticity. Evidence for other MS symptoms like tremors, ataxia, and bladder dysfunction was inconsistent.
Why it matters
MS patients frequently report using cannabis for symptom relief. This review helps clarify which symptoms have the strongest supporting evidence and which delivery methods appear most effective.
The numbers in context
Two main delivery routes reviewed: oromucosal spray (nabiximols) and oral cannabinoids. Both showed positive effects on pain and spasticity. Other symptoms showed only slight improvement with inconsistent evidence.
How the study worked
Review of clinical studies investigating cannabis effects on MS symptoms including spasticity, pain, tremors, ataxia, bladder functions, sleep, quality of life, and adverse effects.
What this study cannot tell us
Review scope and methodology not fully detailed. Evidence for symptoms beyond pain and spasticity described as inconsistent. Study quality of included trials varies.
How to read the evidence
Review of multiple clinical studies with generally positive findings for pain and spasticity but inconsistent evidence for other outcomes.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
Pain and spasticity remain the best-supported indications for cannabinoid treatment in MS, while the evidence for other common MS symptoms remains weak, suggesting clinicians should set realistic expectations.
Questions still open
- Why does cannabis appear to help MS pain and spasticity but not other neurological symptoms? Could different cannabinoid ratios or delivery methods improve outcomes for tremor or bladder dysfunction?
Common questions
Does cannabis help with MS symptoms?
What form of cannabis works best for MS?
Read the original research
The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms.
Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12(5)
Citation
Haddad, Fatma; Dokmak, Ghadeer; Karaman, Rafik. (2022). The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms.. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 12(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050682
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