←Multiple Sclerosis
Study register · detail RCT (cross-over) · Multiple Sclerosis · 1987

Delta-9-THC in the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.

Ungerleider et al. ·Advances in alcohol & substance abuse
Clear benefit GRADE Moderate 163 citations
Samplen = 13 Pat.
Duration5 days THC and 5 days placebo…
ControlPlacebo
EndpointSubjective spasticity rating
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignRCT (cross-over)
Cannabinoidthc
Max. dose15.0 mg
Routeoral
Key finding

At doses above 7,5 mg a significant improvement in patients' spasticity ratings compared to placebo was observed.

Summary

n=13 MS patients with spasticity, double-blind crossover RCT; Delta-9-THC 2,5–15 mg oral vs. placebo (5 days each). At doses >7,5 mg significant improvement in patients' spasticity ratings compared to placebo (p<0,05). Findings in a treatment-failure population.

P
PopulationAdults with clinically confirmed Multiple Sclerosis and spasticity, n=13, treatment failure
I
InterventionOral Delta-9-THC, escalating 2,5–15 mg/day, 5 days
C
ControlPlacebo (5 days, randomized order, 2-day washout phase)
O
OutcomeAt doses >7,5 mg significant improvement in subjective spasticity rating vs. placebo
Confidence in the evidence
Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Downgraded for
Imprecision
Quality profile
Sample size ★★★★★
Blinding Double-blind
Effect size Clear benefit
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Ungerleider JT, Andyrsiak T, Fairbanks L, Ellison GW, Myers LW
DOI 10.1300/j251v07n01_04↗
Design: RCT (cross-over)
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Abstract
Cannabis is reported to decrease spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. This is a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trial of delta-9-THC in 13 subjects with clinical multiple sclerosis and spasticity. Subjects received escalating doses of THC in the range of 2.5-15 mg., five days of THC and five days of placebo in randomized order, divided by a two-day washout period. Subjective ratings of spasticity and side effects were completed and semiquantitative neurological examinations were performed. At doses greater than 7.5 mg there was significant improvement in patient ratings of spasticity compared to placebo. These positive findings in a treatment failure population suggest a role for THC in the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
Indication
Further studies on Multiple Sclerosis
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The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius