A to Z of MS Cannabis
There is a growing body of evidence that medicinal cannabis can be useful for symptoms such as pain, spasticity and bladder problems.
Cannabis is known to work on parts of the brain known as cannabinoid receptors. Cannabis plants contain more than 60 different cannabinoids, which can affect these receptors, although only some of these are believed to help in MS.
The majority of research trials have focused on relieving symptoms of MS. However, one new trial, the CUPID trial, is looking to see whether cannabis might have a more important role in protecting the brain from damage by MS.
To date, no medicine derived from cannabis plant is licensed for use for any condition in the UK. However, Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine, is now licensed in Canada and is available on a named patient basis in the UK.