Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of orally administered cannabinoids in MS

Neurology. 2002 May 14;58(9):1404-7. doi: 10.1212/wnl.58.9.1404.

Abstract

The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, twofold crossover study in 16 patients with MS who presented with severe spasticity to investigate safety, tolerability, and efficacy of oral Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabis sativa plant extract. Both drugs were safe, but adverse events were more common with plant-extract treatment. Compared with placebo, neither THC nor plant-extract treatment reduced spasticity. Both THC and plant-extract treatment worsened the participant's global impression.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Cannabinoids / administration & dosage*
  • Cannabinoids / adverse effects
  • Cannabis
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology
  • Muscle Tonus / drug effects
  • Pain Measurement
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Sample Size
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Dronabinol