Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. Symptoms of MS can be debilitating and include spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction. There is increasing interest in the use of medical cannabis as a potential treatment for MS-related symptoms, and several clinical trials have investigated its efficacy and safety.

One clinical trial that has generated interest in the use of medical cannabis for MS is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial conducted in the UK. The trial investigated the effect of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on spasticity in 279 participants with MS. The results showed that THC significantly reduced spasticity compared to placebo, with a mean reduction of 2.74 points on the Modified Ashworth Scale. However, side effects such as dizziness and fatigue were reported by some participants.

Other clinical trials have investigated the use of nabiximols, a cannabis-based medicine containing THC and cannabidiol (CBD), in MS-related symptoms. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Spain found that nabiximols significantly reduced spasticity and pain in MS patients compared to placebo. Another randomized, placebo-controlled trial in the UK found that nabiximols improved bladder dysfunction in MS patients compared to placebo.

While the results of these clinical trials are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of medical cannabis in treating MS-related symptoms. It is also important to note that medical cannabis products can vary in their composition and dosage, which can affect their safety and efficacy. Therefore, it is essential that medical cannabis products used in clinical trials are standardized and rigorously tested.

Academic reference: Zajicek, J., Ball, S., Wright, D., Vickery, J., Nunn, A., Miller, D., ... & Yamamoto, T. (2013). Effect of Oral Cannabinoid Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Spasticity: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial. The Lancet Neurology, 12(9), 801-808.