One cornerstone of current long-term MS treatment is the alleviation of symptoms. Despite reports that the use of cannabis in medical therapy is effective in alleviating pain and spasticity, very few medications are discussed as controversially as cannabis, and many doctors are reluctant to prescribe the cannabis extracts that are on the market – i.e. nabiximols (Sativex®).
There is moderate quality evidence to support the use of cannabinoids in relieving chronic pain, spasticity and bladder overactivity. Therefore, the pragmatic approach should be to consider cannabinoids if other treatment options do not adequately control spasticity or chronic pain.
