Vaporized Cannabis Improved Spasticity, Bladder Function, and Disability in 69 MS Patients
In a 6-month study of 69 MS patients, vaporized CBD/THC (13%/9%) significantly improved disability scores, muscle spasticity, and bladder function.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Is the disability progression slowing a real effect or natural fluctuation?
- ?How does vaporized CBD/THC compare to nabiximols for MS spasticity?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Prospective design with validated clinical measures, but no control group limits to moderate.
- Study Age:
- Recently published prospective clinical study.
- Original Title:
- Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from a Prospective Single-Center Clinical Study.
- Published In:
- Journal of clinical medicine, 14(6) (2025)
- Authors:
- 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
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07719
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07719APA
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
MLA
Stavrogianni, Konstantina, et al. "Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from a Prospective Single-Center Clinical Study.." Journal of clinical medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14062121
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Evaluating Vaporized Cannabinoid Therapy in Multiple Scleros..." RTHC-07719. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/stavrogianni-2025-evaluating-vaporized-cannabinoid-therapy
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.