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Some cannabis-based medicines are licensed in the UK for MS-related spasticity when other treatments have not worked. NICE NG144
MS spasticity trials have used at least 30% symptom improvement as a meaningful response threshold for nabiximols. European Journal of Neurology
People in the UK are estimated to be living with multiple sclerosis. MS Society
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, usually shortened to MS, is an autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. The coating that protects the nerves is damaged, which disrupts the signals travelling around the body.
Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and muscle stiffness can appear suddenly in a flare-up and may change over time. Because MS affects everyone differently, care is highly individual.
Recognising the impact
Common multiple sclerosis (ms) symptoms
Symptoms vary widely depending on which nerves are affected, and can come and go.
- Fatigue, often severe
- Muscle stiffness, spasms and spasticity
- Problems with balance and mobility
- Numbness, tingling or nerve pain
- Problems with vision
- Difficulties with concentration and memory
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
MS care combines disease-modifying treatment with symptom control. Recognised options include:
- Disease-modifying therapies to reduce relapses and slow progression
- Steroid tablets or injections for relapses
- Muscle-relaxing medicines such as baclofen, gabapentin or diazepam for spasticity
- Carbamazepine or other medicines for nerve pain
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Antidepressants and support for mood and sleep where needed
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If multiple sclerosis (ms) symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
Can medical cannabis help with MS spasticity?
A cannabis-based mouth spray (nabiximols) is licensed in the UK for moderate to severe muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis where other treatments have not helped enough. Other symptoms are considered individually.
THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain signalling, muscle control, sleep and mood. Certain cannabis-based medicines are already licensed in the UK for MS-related spasticity when other treatments have not worked, although this is only one part of the picture.
For other MS symptoms the evidence is still developing, and effects can vary from person to person. A doctor on the GMC Specialist Register considers your diagnosis, the treatments already tried, your other medicines and the potential benefits and risks before deciding whether a prescription is appropriate.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Licensed use for MS spasticity
The evidence around cannabis and multiple sclerosis is one of the clearer medical cannabis areas: a cannabis-based medicine is licensed for MS-related spasticity. Evidence for other MS symptoms and wider cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis remains more limited and is reviewed case by case.
- Nabiximols is licensed for moderate-to-severe MS spasticity after other options.
- Disease-modifying therapies and physiotherapy remain central to MS care.
- Evidence for other MS symptoms is more limited and individually assessed.
Related support
Explore related multiple sclerosis (ms) support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Can medical cannabis treat MS?
Some cannabis-based medicines are licensed in the UK for MS-related spasticity when other treatments have not worked. For other symptoms, a specialist considers your individual situation to decide whether a prescription may be appropriate as part of your wider care.
Is cannabis legal in the UK?
Prescription cannabis-based products for medicinal use have had a legal prescribing route in the UK since 1 November 2018. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and a legal medicine must be prescribed for you and used exactly as directed.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Do I need a GP referral?
No GP referral is needed to start an eligibility check. Sharing your medical records helps the specialist review your history and current medicines, and we can keep your GP informed if you wish.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.