Cannabis Oil Did Not Reduce Spasticity in Severe Cerebral Palsy Despite Being Well-Tolerated | Research

The takeaway

A double-blind RCT of 53 children and young adults with severe cerebral palsy found no significant difference between full-spectrum cannabis oil (10:1 CBD:THC) and placebo for spasticity, motor function, or quality of life.

pediatric neurologists, CP treatment teams, parents considering cannabis for CP

What the researchers found

No significant differences between FSCO and placebo in spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), motor function (GMFM-88), or quality of life parameters after 6 weeks of double-blind treatment. FSCO was generally well-tolerated with mild to moderate adverse events and no life-threatening events. Patients in the FSCO group were significantly drowsier.

Why it matters

Despite anecdotal reports and parent interest, this is one of the first rigorous RCTs testing cannabis for cerebral palsy spasticity. The null result is important for informing families and clinicians about realistic expectations.

The numbers in context

53 participants, ages 5-25, CP grades IV-V. 6-week double-blind phase. 10:1 CBD:THC ratio. No significant differences: spasticity, motor function, quality of life. FSCO group significantly drowsier. No life-threatening adverse events.

How the study worked

Pilot feasibility study (7 patients) followed by prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial with 53 participants aged 5-25 with spastic CP grades IV-V. 1:1 randomization. 6-week double-blind phase followed by 6-week open-label phase. Full-spectrum cannabis oil with 10:1 CBD:THC ratio.

What this study cannot tell us

Small sample size. Only 6-week double-blind period. Fixed CBD:THC ratio may not be optimal. Grade IV-V CP represents the most severe forms, where spasticity may be least responsive. Single formulation tested.

How to read the evidence

Well-designed double-blind RCT, though small sample and short duration limit generalizability. Evidence is moderate for this specific formulation and population.

When this study was published

Recently published randomized controlled trial.

The bigger picture

The well-tolerated safety profile leaves open the possibility that different cannabinoid ratios, higher doses, or longer treatment periods might show efficacy, but the current evidence does not support cannabis oil for CP spasticity.

Questions still open

Would a different CBD:THC ratio or higher dose be effective?
Would longer treatment show delayed benefits?

Common questions

Does cannabis oil help with cerebral palsy?

In this rigorous trial, a 10:1 CBD:THC cannabis oil did not improve spasticity, motor function, or quality of life compared to placebo in children and young adults with severe CP.

Is cannabis oil safe for children with CP?

The product was generally well-tolerated with only mild to moderate side effects. The main side effect was drowsiness. No life-threatening events occurred.

Read the original research

Plant-derived cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity in children and adolescents with severe cerebral palsy: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 54, 18-24

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Stefanović, Milica; Osredkar, Damjan; Rener-Primec, Zvonka; Peterlin, Jakob; Laptoš, Tomislav; Neubauer, David. (2025). Plant-derived cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity in children and adolescents with severe cerebral palsy: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.. European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 54, 18-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.11.007