Introduction

This information is for people who have multiple sclerosis. It tells you about cannabis, a treatment used to help symptoms during a relapse of multiple sclerosis. It is based on the best and most up-to-date research.

Does it work?

We don't know. Some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) say that cannabis improves their symptoms. Researchers have looked at smoking cannabis, and also at using tablets or a spray containing cannabis extract. So far, the research hasn't given a clear answer about whether cannabis helps people with MS or not.

What is it?

Cannabis (also called marijuana) is a drug made from the cannabis plant. It's often smoked as a recreational drug, because it leads to a 'high' feeling.

It is illegal to possess most kinds of cannabis in the UK. There is no official exception to the law for people who use cannabis for medical purposes.

A cannabis spray is available under the brand name Sativex. It aims to help with muscle spasms without the 'high' of smoking cannabis. Talk to your doctor if you're interested in this treatment.

There's also been some research on cannabis tablets. You probably won't be able to get these in the UK.

How can it help?

Some research has suggested that cannabis could have benefits for people with MS.^[80] But we need more research to be sure. It's possible that cannabis helps with:^[80]

• Muscle stiffness or spasms

• Pain

• Sleep problems.

Several studies have looked at Sativex, the cannabis spray. The research isn't clear, but it hints that the spray could help with muscle spasms.^[81] However, this treatment might not help everyone, and the benefits may be small. For example, one study found that people rated their muscle spasms as improving by just 0.5 on a scale of 0 to 10.^[82]

Research on cannabis tablets suggests they don't help with muscle spasms.^[83][84]

How does it work?

It's not clear how cannabis might help with the symptoms of MS. But the aim is to relax the muscles in your arms and legs, and reduce discomfort.

Can it be harmful?

Cannabis can have side effects. Common problems in a study of cannabis tablets included dizziness, a dry mouth, and diarrhoea.^[84]

Here are some other problems you might get with cannabis.^[80]

• Cannabis smoke may damage your lungs in the same way as tobacco smoke.

• Young people who smoke cannabis are more likely to get some mental illnesses. But we don't know if cannabis actually causes these problems.

• Cannabis can also cause dizziness and clumsiness, affect your mood, and stop you thinking clearly. These problems go away when you stop taking it.

How good is the research on marijuana?

The research isn't very clear about whether marijuana helps people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In spray form, it might help slightly with muscle spasms.^[82] Marijuana pills don't seem to work.^[83][85]

Citations