Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
An autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS causing progressive neurological disability. The condition with the strongest clinical evidence base for cannabinoid therapy (nabiximols for spasticity).
In Depth
MS affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide. Nabiximols (Sativex) is approved in 30+ countries for MS-related spasticity based on multiple RCTs. Cannabis is also commonly used by MS patients for pain, bladder dysfunction, and sleep. The ECS is dysregulated in MS — CB1 and CB2 receptor expression is altered in demyelinated lesions. Preclinical evidence suggests cannabinoids may have neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects relevant to MS progression, though clinical evidence for disease modification is lacking.
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Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.