Managing Multiple Sclerosis with Medical Cannabis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, sometimes causing serious disability – though it can occasionally be mild. MS is a lifelong condition that can cause a wide variety of symptoms and a slight reduction in life expectancy.
MS typically starts in one of two ways: with individual relapses (attacks or exacerbations) or with gradual progression. More than 8 out of 10 of people diagnosed with MS are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Just over 1 in 10 people with the condition begin with gradually worsening symptoms – this is known as primary progressive MS.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of MS can vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body. Symptoms may come and go in phases and can get steadily worse over time. The main symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking
- Blurred vision and other vision problems
- Problems controlling the bladder
- Numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Problems with balance and co-ordination
- Problems with thinking, learning, and planning
Cause and treatment
The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it occurs when the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body – namely, the myelin sheath at the brain and spinal cord (the layer that surrounds and protects nerves). This damages the myelin sheath and potentially the nerves themselves and causes messages travelling along the nerves to be slowed or disrupted.
It is not fully understood what makes the immune system actin this way, but most experts believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are involved.
There is currently no cure for MS, but a number of treatments are available for the management of the condition and its symptoms. These include medicines such as steroids to speed up recovery in relapses with short courses; disease-modifying therapies to reduce the number of relapses; and treatments for specific symptoms such as spasticity.
Disease-modifying therapies may also help to slow or reduce the overall worsening of disability in patients with relapsing remitting MS and in those with secondary progressive MS who have relapses. However, there is currently no treatment that can slow progression of the condition in patients with primary progressive MS, or secondary progressive MS in the absence of relapses.
Medical Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis
There is growing evidence to support the use of medical cannabis for the treatment of some symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Studies have shown that cannabis-based medicines can be useful in in combination with existing treatments for the reduction of pain and spasticity associated with MS. A number of reviews have concluded that there is enough evidence to support the benefits of medical cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis.
Our specialist physcians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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Your go-to blog for medical cannabis facts and updates.
FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help with Multiple Sclerosis symptoms?
Yes. Medical cannabis may help ease symptoms of MS such as muscle stiffness (spasticity), pain, and sleep issues. At Cantourage Clinic, our clinicians work closely with MS patients to determine if cannabis-based therapies can improve their quality of life-especially when conventional treatments haven’t been effective.
Is cannabis a recognised treatment for MS in the UK?
Absolutely. In the UK, medical cannabis can be legally prescribed for MS-related spasticity when standard treatments haven’t provided relief. Cantourage Clinic offers expert-led consultations and prescriptions tailored to MS patients who meet eligibility criteria under UK medical cannabis regulations.
What cannabis-based medicines are prescribed for MS at Cantourage Clinic?
We offer a range of products including oral oils, capsules, and inhaled formats, depending on the individual’s symptoms. THC-containing medicines may be used to relieve muscle spasms and pain, while CBD-rich options can support overall neurological wellness. Your treatment is always tailored after a full clinical assessment.
How do I start medical cannabis treatment for MS with Cantourage Clinic?
Start by booking an initial consultation with one of our experienced doctors. If you’re living with MS and haven’t responded well to conventional therapies, our team will assess your condition and guide you through the process-from eligibility checks to personalised treatment plans and ongoing support.