Volume 30, Issue 168, February 2026

Medical Cannabis in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of Current Evidence

Michał Biernacki, Michał Wójcicki, Agnieszka Kowalska^♦, Milena Kędzierska

Collegium Medicum at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Agnieszka Kowalska, Collegium Medicum at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. This causes inflammation and damage, leading to symptoms like muscle stiffness, pain, and trouble with balance. Standard medications such as baclofen or tizanidine can help, but they don’t always work for everyone and often come with unwanted side effects. Medical cannabis has been gaining attention as an alternative way to manage MS symptoms, especially spasticity. The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a big role in multiple sclerosis, helping to protect nerves, calm inflammation, and keep the immune system in check. One of the most common cannabis-based treatments is nabiximols, a mouth spray that contains a balanced mix of THC (Δ-9- tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Research shows it can help reduce how stiff or painful muscles feel, particularly for people who haven’t had much success with regular treatments. It may also improve sleep, though the improvements measured in clinical tests are sometimes modest. Cannabis-based treatments are generally well tolerated. The most common side effects, like dizziness or tiredness, are usually mild. Still, it’s important to watch for potential interactions with other medications and to be cautious if someone has heart or mental health issues. Overall, cannabinoids offer a useful option for people with MS who are struggling with symptoms that don’t respond to conventional treatments.

Keywords: Medical Cannabis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Spasticity, Cannabinoids, and Nabiximols

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e43ms3801

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v30i168.e43ms3801

Published: 27 February 2026