A Single Cannabis Cigarette Measurably Improved Both Spasticity and Tremor in an MS Patient | Research

The takeaway

Smoking a single marijuana cigarette produced measurable improvements in spasticity and hand tremor in a 30-year-old multiple sclerosis patient, confirmed by both clinical rating and electrophysiological recordings.

Read this if you have MS and want to see objective evidence of cannabis effects on spasticity and tremor.

Three objective measurement methods confirmed improvement in both spasticity and ataxia

What the researchers found

A 30-year-old man with chronic multiple sclerosis experienced acute improvement in his motor symptoms while smoking a marijuana cigarette. Recognizing the opportunity for objective measurement, researchers quantified the effect using three methods.

Clinical rating showed improvement in spasticity. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings of leg flexor reflexes confirmed reduced spastic reflexes. Electromagnetic recording of hand action tremor showed reduced ataxia (uncoordinated movement).

The researchers concluded that cannabinoids produced "powerful beneficial effects" on both spasticity and ataxia, two of the most disabling symptoms of MS, and called for further evaluation.

Why it matters

While anecdotal reports of cannabis helping MS symptoms were common, this case study was notable for its objective, quantitative documentation of improvement. The use of EMG and electromagnetic recordings moved beyond subjective reports to measurable physiological changes.

The numbers in context

One patient, age 30. Single marijuana cigarette. Three objective measurement methods confirmed improvement in both spasticity and ataxia.

How the study worked

Single-patient case study with quantitative assessment of motor function before and after smoking cannabis. Three measurement methods: clinical rating, EMG of leg flexor reflexes, and electromagnetic recording of hand action tremor.

What this study cannot tell us

A single patient without placebo control. Acute effects of one session may not predict sustained benefit. The patient's expectation of improvement could influence clinical ratings, though the EMG and electromagnetic recordings are less susceptible to placebo effects.

How to read the evidence

A single case report with objective measurements. Stronger than typical case reports due to quantitative methods, but still a single uncontrolled observation.

When this study was published

Published in 1989. Nabiximols (Sativex) was later developed and approved for MS spasticity in many countries.

The bigger picture

This case study, along with other early evidence, helped build the research foundation that eventually led to nabiximols (Sativex) being approved for MS spasticity in multiple countries. The dual benefit for both spasticity and ataxia was particularly significant because these symptoms often require different medications.

Questions still open

Would the improvement persist with repeated dosing? Would tolerance develop to the antispastic effects? Does the benefit extend to other forms of MS-related motor dysfunction?

Common questions

Did cannabis help MS symptoms?

In this single patient, smoking cannabis produced measurable improvement in both spasticity and hand tremor, confirmed by clinical and electrophysiological assessments.

How was the improvement measured?

Three methods: clinical rating scales, EMG recordings of leg reflexes showing reduced spasticity, and electromagnetic recording showing reduced hand tremor.

Read the original research

Effect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple sclerosis.

Journal of neurology, 236(2), 120-2

View on PubMed ↗

Citation

Meinck, H M; Schönle, P W; Conrad, B. (1989). Effect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple sclerosis.. Journal of neurology, 236(2), 120-2.