Among 141 MS patients prescribed cannabis-based products, significant improvements were seen in cognitive function, physical health, anxiety, sleep, and social functioning over six months.
MS specialists, patients considering medical cannabis, and health policymakers evaluating cannabis access.
What the researchers found
At 6 months, significant improvements in MSQoL-54 subscales: cognitive function, mental health composite, physical health, role limitations, social and sexual function. Also improved: EQ-5D-5L, GAD-7, and sleep quality. 146 adverse events; most mild (33%) or moderate (51%).
Why it matters
This is the largest UK real-world dataset on medical cannabis for MS. The breadth of improvement across cognitive, physical, emotional, and social domains suggests CBMPs may address multiple MS symptoms simultaneously.
The numbers in context
141 patients. Significant improvements at 6 months across cognitive, physical, emotional, social, sexual function (all p<0.050). 146 adverse events. Mild: 33%. Moderate: 51%.
How the study worked
Observational analysis of 141 MS patients from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry prescribed CBMPs for more than one month, assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months.
What this study cannot tell us
No control group. Improvements may reflect placebo, regression to mean, or natural fluctuation. Self-reported. Selection bias.
How to read the evidence
Registry data without control group but with multiple significant outcomes across validated instruments.
When this study was published
2024 publication.
The bigger picture
MS treatment focuses on disease modification, but patients suffer daily from symptoms those therapies don't address. This data adds evidence that cannabis products can meaningfully improve symptom burden.
Questions still open
- Would these improvements hold in an RCT?
- Which formulation produces the best MS outcomes?
Common questions
Does medical cannabis help MS symptoms?
Is it safe for MS patients?
Read the original research
Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis - Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 87, 105665
Citation
Murphy, Matthew; Kaur, Varinder; Bui, Hanh Lan; Yang, Toby; Erridge, Simon; Holvey, Carl; Coomber, Ross; Rucker, James J; Weatherall, Mark W; Sodergren, Mikael H. (2024). Clinical outcome analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis - Analysis from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 87, 105665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2024.105665
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