Cannabis for MS Symptoms: The Cochrane Review
What Researchers Found About Multiple Sclerosis and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2022
Researchers
Cochrane Collaboration (International)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewKey Finding
This Cochrane review found that cannabis-based medicines may reduce spasticity and chronic pain in multiple sclerosis, but evidence quality is limited. Nabiximols (Sativex) shows the most evidence for MS spasticity, though side effects are common.
Key Finding: This Cochrane review found that cannabis-based medicines may reduce spasticity and chronic pain in multiple sclerosis, but evidence quality is limited. Nabiximols (Sativex) shows the most evidence for MS spasticity, though side effects are common.
What Researchers Studied About Multiple Sclerosis and Cannabis
Multiple sclerosis causes debilitating spasticity and chronic pain that often don't respond well to standard treatments. With high patient demand for cannabis-based treatments, the Cochrane Collaboration undertook this definitive evidence review.
Cochrane reviews are considered the gold standard of medical evidence synthesis. This 2022 review analyzed all available randomized trials of cannabinoids for MS symptoms.
The review examined herbal cannabis, plant-derived cannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids for MS spasticity and pain.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a comprehensive Cochrane systematic review:
• Searched multiple databases through December 2021 • Included only randomized controlled trials • Covered herbal cannabis, plant-derived, and synthetic cannabinoids • Assessed spasticity reduction, pain relief, and quality of life • Used Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool • Rated evidence certainty using GRADE
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Cannabinoids may reduce MS spasticity (limited evidence)
- 2May help chronic neuropathic pain in MS
- 3Nabiximols (Sativex) has the most studied evidence
- 4Side effects are common with cannabinoid treatment
- 5Evidence quality rated as limited by Cochrane standards
- 6High demand from patients for these treatments
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Cochrane | gold standard evidence synthesis |
| 2022 | most recent comprehensive review |
| Nabiximols | most studied cannabinoid for MS |
| Limited | certainty of evidence overall |
gold standard evidence synthesis
most recent comprehensive review
most studied cannabinoid for MS
certainty of evidence overall
What This Means for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
This authoritative Cochrane review provides important guidance for MS patients:
What the evidence shows: • Cannabinoids may help reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness/spasms) • May also help chronic neuropathic pain from MS • Nabiximols (Sativex) has the most supporting evidence • Benefits are modest, not dramatic
Important limitations: • Evidence quality is limited • Side effects are common • Not a cure or first-line treatment • Individual responses vary
What this means for you: If you have MS with spasticity or pain that hasn't responded to standard treatments, cannabinoids (especially nabiximols) may be worth discussing with your neurologist. Go in with realistic expectations—benefits are modest.
Nabiximols (Sativex): This THC/CBD mouth spray is approved in many countries specifically for MS spasticity. It has the strongest evidence base among cannabinoids for MS.
Quick Answers: Multiple Sclerosis and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does cannabis help multiple sclerosis?
Possibly. A 2022 Cochrane review found cannabinoids may reduce spasticity and chronic pain in MS, with nabiximols (Sativex) having the most evidence. However, evidence certainty is limited and side effects are common.
Source: Filippini et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2022 (PMID: 35510826)
What cannabis product for MS spasticity?
Nabiximols (Sativex), a THC/CBD mouth spray, has the strongest evidence for MS spasticity according to the 2022 Cochrane review. It is specifically approved for MS spasticity in many countries.
Source: Filippini et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2022 (PMID: 35510826)
What does Cochrane say about cannabis for MS?
Limited but positive evidence. The 2022 Cochrane review found cannabinoids may reduce MS spasticity and pain. Nabiximols has the most evidence, but side effects are common and benefits are modest.
Source: Filippini et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2022 (PMID: 35510826)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Evidence certainty rated as limited
- Heterogeneous study designs and outcomes
- Side effects may limit tolerability
- Long-term efficacy and safety less clear
- Different cannabinoid products not directly compared
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis
This 2022 Cochrane review confirms that cannabinoids—particularly nabiximols (Sativex)—may help reduce spasticity and chronic pain in multiple sclerosis. However, the evidence quality is limited, and side effects are common. For MS patients with treatment-resistant symptoms, cannabinoids represent a reasonable option to discuss with their neurologist, but expectations should be realistic about the modest benefits.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Multiple Sclerosis, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
- What Does Science Actually Know About Medical Cannabis?
- Cannabis Spray for Multiple Sclerosis: The Sativex Trial
- Cannabis Benefits and Risks: What 101 Studies Reveal
- Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Critical Look at 104 Studies
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Co-Occurring Conditions (2024)
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Filippini G, Minozzi S, Borrelli F, et al. "Cannabis and cannabinoids for symptomatic treatment for people with multiple sclerosis" Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2022. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013444.pub2
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis
Does cannabis help multiple sclerosis?
Yes, with caveats. According to this Cochrane review, cannabinoids may reduce spasticity and chronic pain in MS. Nabiximols (Sativex) has the most evidence, but evidence quality is limited and side effects are common.
What is the best cannabis product for MS?
Nabiximols (Sativex), a THC/CBD mouth spray, has the strongest evidence for MS spasticity. It is approved in many countries specifically for this use. Other cannabinoid products have less supporting evidence.
Does cannabis help MS spasticity?
Modest benefit, with limited certainty. The Cochrane review found that cannabinoids may reduce MS spasticity, though benefits are modest, not dramatic, and side effects are common.