What is it?

Cannabis is a plant which has been illegal since 1928. Historically it has been used recreationally as an intoxicant. 

What does it do?

The active parts of the cannabis plant, know as cannabinoids, are known to work on certain parts of the brain. When taken, cannabis has an intoxicating effect. Why this occurs is not fully understood. Many people with MS report benefits from taking cannabis to symptoms such as pain and spasticity.  

Does it work?

A large study looking at the effect of cannabis based medicine over 15 weeks on various MS symptoms was published in November 2003. Researchers found that cannabis had no significant effect on the key symptom measurement of muscle spasticity as measured by an independent assessment of clinical spasticity known as the Ashworth scale.

However, a majority of patients taking the drug felt that it had improved their spasticity and sleep quality as well as their pain. There was also some evidence that cannabis treatment led to improved mobility. No significant side effects were experienced.

More information on the CAMS trial

A further 12 month extension trial involving 80 per cent of the original participants showed that there may be a neuroprotective effect with cannabis based medicine slowing the development of disability over time. To test if this effect is reproducible, a large trial is currently underway to evaluate whether tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, might slow the development of disability in MS. The trial began in 2006 with researchers recruiting people with progressive MS from across the UK.

More information about the CUPID trial

GW pharmaceutical have completed phase III trials of a cannabis based mouth spray called Sativex. Information from GW Pharmaceuticals says clinical trials conducted in people with MS have shown promising results in the relief of spasticity, nerve pain, sleep disturbance, and bladder symptoms. At the moment Sativex does not have a UK license. However, your doctor has the right to prescribe an unlicensed medicine, under his/her own responsibility, if he or she feels that it is in the best interests of the patient. GM pharmaceutical are expected to apply for a UK license next year.

More information about Sativex
 

Should I take it?

Cannabis is a class C illegal drug. Currently it is not recognised as having any medicinal value. Anyone found in possession of cannabis faces two years imprisonment and/or a fine. Recent legal cases have indicated that the law makes no exception for people using cannabis to relieve medical symptoms.

Currently there is not enough scientific evidence demonstrating that cannabis-based medicines have beneficial effects to recommend the use of cannabis in people with MS. Cannabis is not a harmless drug and significant side effects have been reported in some people. It is important that research is carried out to prove it is safe and effective for people with MS before any treatments can be licensed in the UK. If licensed, a cannabinoid treatment would be available on prescription to people with MS regardless of its legal status so long as their GP was satisfied it was appropriate for them.

Sativex is not suitable for everyone. It is also not recommended for some groups of people. For example, pregnant women, the under 18 year old age group, and those with a history of a psychotic disorder would not be eligible.