A Single Cannabis Cigarette Measurably Improved Both Spasticity and Tremor in an MS Patient
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
One patient, age 30. Single marijuana cigarette. Three objective measurement methods confirmed improvement in both spasticity and ataxia.
How They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Three objective measurement methods confirmed improvement in both spasticity and ataxia
- Evidence Grade:
- A single case report with objective measurements. Stronger than typical case reports due to quantitative methods, but still a single uncontrolled observation.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1989. Nabiximols (Sativex) was later developed and approved for MS spasticity in many countries.
- Original Title:
- Effect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple sclerosis.
- Published In:
- Journal of neurology, 236(2), 120-2 (1989)
- Authors:
- Meinck, H M, Schönle, P W, Conrad, B
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00035
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00035APA
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.
MLA
Meinck, H M, et al. "Effect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple sclerosis.." Journal of neurology, 1989.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Effect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple ..." RTHC-00035. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/meinck-1989-effect-of-cannabinoids-on
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.