Pain Associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and cannabis

For patients with Multiple Sclerosis suffering from central pain {call-out, text:Pain caused by damage or malfunction of the central nervous system} or painful spasms, cannabis extracts have been shown to be effective for reduction of central pain and spasms. As summarized in a review, researchers stated that a cannabis extract containing THC:CBD in a 1:1 ratio, is probably effective for treating MS related pain or painful spasms.¹ The same review concluded that smoked cannabis was of unclear efficacy for reducing pain.¹ Researcher Langford and colleagues concluded that more research is needed, as their study had mixed results.² Read more in the chapter Multiple Sclerosis (MS). References:

1. Koppel, B. S.; Brust, J. C. M.; Fife, T.; Bronstein, J.; Youssof, S.; Gronseth, G.; Gloss, D. (2014). Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 82(17), 1556--1563.
2. Langford, R. M.; Mares, J.; Novotna, A.; Vachova, M.; Novakova, I.; Notcutt, W.; Ratcliffe, S. (2013). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of THC/CBD oromucosal spray in combination with the existing treatment regimen, in the relief of central neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Neurology, 260(4), 984--997.