Title:Potential Control of Multiple Sclerosis by Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
Author(s): Gareth Pryce and David Baker
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cannabis, endocannabinoid, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis,
neuroprotection.
Abstract: For many years, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have been self-medicating with illegal street cannabis to
alleviate symptoms associated with MS. Data from animal models of MS and clinical studies have supported the
anecdotal data that cannabis can improve symptoms such as limb spasticity, which are commonly associated with
progressive MS, by the modulation of excessive neuronal signalling. This has lead to cannabis-based medicines being
approved for the treatment of pain and spasticity in MS for the first time. Experimental studies into the biology of the
endocannabinoid system have revealed that cannabinoids have activity, not only in symptom relief but also potentially in
neuroprotective strategies which may slow disease progression and thus delay the onset of symptoms such as spasticity.
This review appraises the current knowledge of cannabinoid biology particularly as it pertains to MS and outlines
potential future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of disease progression in MS.
