Cannabis as a Complementary Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis

What this study is about

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) afflicting over 77,000 Canadians. Unfortunately, the therapeutic arsenal to relieve MS symptoms is limited. It is therefore essential to develop better approaches to treat the symptoms of MS. The use of cannabis for recreational purposes is now legal in Canada. However, for many years, people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) have used cannabis either to relax, to reduce pain and spasticity, or to improve sleep and daily functioning. Currently, there is little scientifically established evidence that cannabis works on these symptoms in people with MS. It is therefore important to carry out studies to better understand the efficacy Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) on MS symptoms . THC is known for its analgesic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties and CBD seems to have positive effects on anxiety and cognitive abilities (memory, concentration). For this study, investigators hypothesize that administering different doses of THC alone, CBD alone, and THC and CBD combined will result in a significant beneficial effect on spasticity relief compared to placebo.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Diagnosed with MS (any subtype), for at least six months, by a MS neurologist, according to the recent version of the McDonald criteria;
• Spasticity due to MS of at least one-month duration and not relieved with current therapy, at a level of 4 or more on the numerical rating scale (NRS);
• Stable dose of standard therapies for at least 30 days prior to the screening visit and willingness for these to be maintained for the duration of the study;
• Aged 21 years or older;
• Ability (in the investigator's opinion) and willingness to comply with all study requirements;
• Ability to speak and read French or English (grade-nine level of language required);

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Concomitant disease with symptoms of spasticity, or that may have influenced their level;
• Received a botulinum toxin injection within four months prior to the screening visit or unwillingness to stop receiving botulinum toxin injections for the duration of the study;
• Use of cannabis or cannabinoid-based medications within 7 days of study entry and unwillingness to abstain for the duration of the study;
• History of schizophrenia, other psychotic illness or other significant psychiatric disorder other than anxiety or depression associated with their underlying condition;
• Alcohol or substance use disorder other than nicotine;
• History of epilepsy or recurrent seizures;
• Hypersensitivity to cannabinoids or any of the excipients of the study medication;
• Clinically relevant cardiac dysfunction within the last 12 months or had a cardiac disorder that, in the opinion of the investigator would put the subject at risk of a clinically relevant arrhythmia or myocardial infarction;
• Impaired renal function i.e., serum creatinine clearance lower than 50 ml/min;
• Significantly impaired hepatic function, at visit 1, in the investigator's opinion and/or had liver function tests of equal to or greater than three times the upper limit of normal;
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• Men with history of fertility problems and who plan to conceive at any time in the future;
• Any participant who plans to conceive either at screening or while enrolled in the study;
• Inability (or unwillingness) of women of childbearing potential and men to use a medically acceptable form of contraception throughout the study duration;
• Inability to use a medically acceptable form of contraception throughout the study duration; m) any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the subject at risk because of participation in the study, may influence the result of the study, or the subject's ability to participate in the study;
• Intention to travel internationally, or to donate blood during the study.

Where this trial is running

• CRCHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Who to contact

Pierre Duquette · 514 890 8000 · pierre.duquette.med@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT05092191.