Medical cannabis in multiple sclerosis
File(s)MS and cannabis.docx (78.94 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Erridge, Simon
Sodergren, Mikael
Weatherall, Mark
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects over 100 000 individuals in the UK. The symptoms of MS are heterogenous and correspond to the location of demyelination. However, common symptoms include sensory, motor, cognitive and affective disturbances. While the cornerstone of medical therapy is disease modifying agents, there is an ongoing need to develop symptomatic treatments. Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), which were partially legalised in the UK in November 2018, have been touted as a potential management option for the associated sequelae of MS. Nabiximols, an oromucosal spray containing cannabidiol and (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, has been extensively evaluated for the treatment of MS-related spasticity. However, unlicensed CBMP formulations are a novel therapeutic class of medications, of which the clinical effects are less well known. Yet, there are promising indications for the use of CBMP in the symptomatic treatment of MS. This article reviews the literature on efficacy and safety of medical cannabis for people with MS.
Date Issued
2022-07-01
Date Acceptance
2022-06-01
Citation
British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 2022, 18 (Sup3), pp.S28-S31
ISSN
1747-0307
Publisher
MA Healthcare
Start Page
S28
End Page
S31
Journal / Book Title
British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
Volume
18
Issue
Sup3
Copyright Statement
This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2022.18.Sup3.S28
Identifier
https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjnn.2022.18.Sup3.S28
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-08-04