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Vaporized Cannabis Improved Spasticity, Bladder Function, and Disability in 69 MS Patients

RTHC-077192025Stavrogianni, Konstantina; Kitsos, Dimitrios K; Giannopapas, Vasileios; Smyrni, Vassiliki; Chasiotis, Athanasios K; Akrivaki, Alexandra; Dimitriadou, Evangelia-Makrina; Zompola, Christina; Tzartos, John S; Tsivgoulis, Georgios; Giannopoulos, Sotirios
ObservationalModerate evidence
The takeaway

In a 6-month study of 69 MS patients, vaporized CBD/THC (13%/9%) significantly improved disability scores, muscle spasticity, and bladder function.

neurologists, MS treatment teams, medical cannabis prescribers

What the researchers found

Significant improvement across all outcomes: EDSS decreased (p=0.009), indicating slight reduction in disability progression; MAS scores showed substantial improvement in spasticity; and PVR volume decreased, indicating improved bladder function. Benefits were observed at both 3 and 6 months.

Why it matters

MS symptoms like spasticity and bladder dysfunction significantly impact quality of life and are often inadequately managed. This study provides 6-month data on a vaporized cannabinoid formulation, a less common delivery method in clinical research.

The numbers in context

69 MS patients over 6 months. CBD 13%/THC 9% vaporized. EDSS: decreased (p=0.009). MAS: substantial spasticity improvement. PVR: significant reduction (improved bladder function). Benefits at 3 and 6 months.

How the study worked

Single-center prospective longitudinal study of 69 MS patients followed over 6 months. Participants used vaporized CBD 13%/THC 9% cannabis product. Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months using Modified Ashworth Scale, Post-Void Residual volume, and Expanded Disability Status Scale.

What this study cannot tell us

No control group or blinding. Single center. Cannot attribute improvement to treatment vs. natural fluctuation. Vaporization adds respiratory exposure considerations. EDSS changes can be difficult to interpret in short-term studies.

How to read the evidence

Prospective design with validated clinical measures, but no control group limits to moderate.

When this study was published

Recently published prospective clinical study.

The bigger picture

While nabiximols (Sativex) is already approved for MS spasticity in some countries, this study examines a different delivery method and cannabinoid ratio. The EDSS improvement suggesting slowed disability progression is particularly noteworthy if confirmed.

Questions still open

  • Is the disability progression slowing a real effect or natural fluctuation?
  • How does vaporized CBD/THC compare to nabiximols for MS spasticity?

Common questions

Can cannabis help with MS symptoms?
This study found vaporized CBD/THC improved spasticity, bladder function, and overall disability scores in 69 MS patients over 6 months. However, without a control group, the improvements cannot be definitively attributed to the treatment.
Why vaporized instead of pills or sprays?
Vaporization provides rapid onset and allows dose titration. This study tested a specific CBD/THC ratio (13%/9%) delivered by vaporization, which may offer different pharmacokinetics than oral or spray formulations.

Read the original research

Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from a Prospective Single-Center Clinical Study.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(6)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Stavrogianni, Konstantina; Kitsos, Dimitrios K; Giannopapas, Vasileios; Smyrni, Vassiliki; Chasiotis, Athanasios K; Akrivaki, Alexandra; Dimitriadou, Evangelia-Makrina; Zompola, Christina; Tzartos, John S; Tsivgoulis, Georgios; Giannopoulos, Sotirios. (2025). Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from a Prospective Single-Center Clinical Study.. Journal of clinical medicine, 14(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14062121

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