Medicinal Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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Tim W

6 min

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. Diagnosed in more than 25,600 Australians (MS Australia), it is a health condition that varies in symptoms and severity from individual to individual, with no current concrete cure.

As a result, the medical community is constantly conducting further studies into medication, lifestyle habits, and alternative therapies that may provide effective treatment for MS. Most cases of MS are managed by medicines that can ease pain and muscle spasms, physiotherapy, as well as specific dietary changes (e.g. low in fat and high in fibre).

Currently, medicinal cannabis is also emerging as a potential care method for individuals with MS. Clinical trials have found small improvements in MS patients after taking medicinal cannabis, and increasing research is being done on cannabinoids to investigate their effectiveness.

Keep reading to find out more about MS and its potential treatment options.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms. It’s thought to be an autoimmune disease, which means it’s caused by the body’s immune system attacking healthy tissue. MS is usually diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occasionally develop in children and older adults. It’s about twice as common in women as it is in men.

There’s no cure for MS, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of further attacks. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with MS can expect to lead relatively normal lives.

Types of MS

There are many different types of MS, some of which are more common than others. They include:

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common type of MS, and affects around three of four people with the condition (Health Direct). People with RRMS experience periods of symptoms (relapses or attacks), followed by periods of recovery (remissions), during which symptoms either improve or disappear completely
Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS): Some people with RRMS will eventually develop SPMS (National MS Society). This is where the condition gradually gets worse over time, without any distinct relapses or remissions
Primary-progressive MS (PPMS): PPMS is much less common than RRMS or SPMS, and tends to affect older adults. It generally progresses slowly from the outset, without relapses or remissions. It is also characterised by superimposed relapses (sudden attacks of symptoms)

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to managing MS, as individuals experience the condition differently. However, there are a range of treatments and lifestyle measures that can help people to manage their symptoms and live well with the condition.

What is the Cause of MS?

The cause of MS is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There are a number of theories about what might trigger the condition, but no definitive answer as yet. Some possible triggers include:

Viruses: There is some evidence that certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (which causes glandular fever) or human herpesvirus 6, may play a role in triggering MS. However, it is not clear whether these viruses actually cause the condition, or if they merely play a role in activating an existing predisposition to MS
Autoimmune reaction: It is thought that MS may occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, specifically the myelin sheath (a layer of insulation that surrounds and protects nerve cells). This theory is supported by the fact that people with MS often have elevated levels of antibodies in their blood
Genetic factors: There appears to be a genetic component to MS, as the condition is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. Additionally, certain genes have been linked to an increased risk of developing MS
Environmental factors: There is some evidence that certain environmental factors, such as exposure to viruses or toxins, may play a role in triggering MS. Additionally, people who live in colder climates seem to be at higher risk for developing the condition

It is important to note that there is no known cause of MS and research regarding the matter is ongoing for the sake of discovering better diagnosis and management solutions.

What are the Symptoms of MS?

MS can cause a wide variety of symptoms that can make everyday activities difficult or even impossible to perform. The symptoms of MS can vary greatly from person to person and range from mild to severe. Additionally, the symptoms may come and go or may be permanently disabling.

The most common symptoms include:

Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Problems with balance and coordination
Bladder problems
Cognitive difficulties
Depression

Other less common symptoms of MS include:

Paralysis
Chronic pain
Seizures
Vision problems

What are Treatments for MS?

Currently, there is no cure for MS. However, there are a number of treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

The most common treatments for MS include:

Disease-modifying therapies: These therapies can slow the progression of MS and reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. Examples include interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, and natalizumab medications
Symptom-management therapies: These therapies can help relieve specific symptoms of MS, such as pain, fatigue, spasticity, bladder problems, and depression. Some examples of symptom-management therapy include the use of antidepressants, anti-spasticity medications, and physical therapy
Rehabilitation therapies: These therapies can help people with MS regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities. The most commonly applied rehabilitation therapies are physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
Complementary and alternative therapies: Some people with MS use complementary and alternative therapies to help relieve symptoms or improve their quality of life. Some examples of these therapies include acupuncture, massage, yoga, and meditation
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct problems caused by MS, such as urinary incontinence or severe spasticity

Most people with MS require a combination of different treatments to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life. One of the new and emerging potential treatments for MS is medicinal cannabis.

Medicinal Cannabis and MS

Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and medical professionals are now investigating its ability to treat the symptoms of health conditions such as MS.

There are two main types of medicinal cannabis; CBD (cannabidiol sometimes called cannabis oil) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.

CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, all of which could potentially be beneficial in treating MS. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and is thought to have pain-relieving and anti-spasticity properties.

Both may have positive effects on those suffering from MS. According to a 2021 article published in Medical News Today, THC may help with increasing appetite, improving muscle control, and reducing nausea, while CBD may help with seizure symptoms and pain management.

Studies have found that medicinal cannabis may help manage a range of symptoms that are experienced by those with MS, including poor sleep quality, urinary or bladder issues, and neuropathic pain.

A 2004 study published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal found that medicinal cannabis may help improve sleep quality in MS patients. According to results from clinical trials, urinary or bladder issues such as urinary incontinence may also be better managed after taking medicinal cannabis. Neurotic pain caused by MS may also be better managed with synthetic cannabinoids, as found in research published in the Pain Medicine journal.

Despite the encouraging care results of medicinal cannabis found in MS patients, prescribing medicinal cannabis products are tightly regulated in Australia. Access to medicinal cannabis products is regulated by the Federal Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), with state and territory governments also having a say in how these products can be made available to patients.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids for MS

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for MS.

What is medicinal cannabis used for in Australia?

Medicinal cannabis products are approved for use in Australia for a number of conditions. These include chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Supporting evidence for the use of medicinal cannabis in these conditions is growing, but further research is needed. The same can be said for the role of MS in managing multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Is medical CBD legal in Australia?

Yes, medical CBD is legal in Australia, however most medicinal cannabis products require approval from the TGA to access.

For MS patients who wish to access medicinal cannabis products, they must first receive approval from the TGA. An application must be lodged by a medical practitioner on behalf of their patient, with the TGA then making a decision on whether to approve or reject the request. If approved, the TGA will allow the patient to import and use an unregistered medicinal cannabis product for a maximum of two years.

What are usually the first signs of MS?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences MS differently. For some people, the first sign may be a change in vision, while for others it may be fatigue or muscle weakness. It is important for individuals to see a doctor and be professionally diagnosed with MS before seeking any related treatment options.