Multiple Sclerosis and the effectiveness of cannabis therapy

Published in May 2022 in the journal Life, this study reviewed research on the efficacy of the pharmaceutical cannabinoid products nabixiomol (oromucosal spray), dronabinol (oral), and nabilone (oral) on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms. They assessed spasticity, pain, tremor, urine function, sleep disturbances, quality of life, disability, and disability progression. 

The three drugs studied were:

Nabiximol = generic name for Sativex^®, an oromucosal spray containing a 1:1 molecular ratio of THC and CBD. 2.7 mg, 2.5 mg, and 0.04 g of THC, CBD, and ethanol, respectively, are in each dose of oromucosal spray.

Dronabinol = the primary THC isomer present in the cannabis plant, (−)-trans-9-THC. It is available in three strength formulations: oral soft gelatin capsule (2.5, 5, and 10 mg). 

Nabilone = the generic name for the primary synthetic analog of delta 9-THC. It was approved in 1985 for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea in individuals who did not respond to standard anti-emetic drugs. It comes in three dosages in pill form (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg).

The drugs were determined to be most effective at reducing pain and spasticity. Summarizing their review of the existing research, the authors said:

• "found indications that will support the efficacy of cannabinoids, namely through an oromucosal spray and orally, in the treatment of pain and spasticity, which are the most common symptoms in MS patients."

The full text paper and more details are here at MDPI.com.