Medical Cannabis Improved Quality of Life in MS Patients Over Two Years

CBMP treatment was associated with significant improvements in multiple MSQOL-54 subscales (change in health, energy, health distress, pain, physical function, physical role limitations) plus sleep quality and EQ-5D-5L at all follow-up times. 82.4% of adverse events were mild or moderate, with fatigue (13.3%) and spasticity (8.4%) most common.

Prospective case series of 203 MS patients enrolled on the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Patient-reported outcomes (MSQOL-54, GAD-7, SQS, EQ-5D-5L) assessed at baseline and follow-up to 24 months. Adverse events tracked by prevalence and severity.

While nabiximols (Sativex) is licensed for MS spasticity, broader cannabis-based products are increasingly used by MS patients for pain, sleep, and anxiety. This 24-month registry data provides the longest follow-up to date for real-world CBMP use in MS.

MS patients face a constellation of symptoms that often require multiple medications. Registry data showing broad quality-of-life improvements with cannabis-based products over two years suggests potential for simplifying treatment regimens, though the lack of a control group limits causal conclusions.

No control group or randomization. 80.8% had prior cannabis exposure, introducing selection bias. Registry data relies on self-reported outcomes. Dropout and missing data over 24 months not fully characterized. Cannot determine which specific CBMP formulations drove improvements.