/Logo%20G1.svg)
A randomized phase 2 trial studied nabiximols for spasticity in ALS/MND, supporting specialist discussion for selected symptoms. The Lancet Neurology
The ALS/MND spasticity trial used a THC/CBD oromucosal spray as an add-on to existing anti-spasticity treatment. The Lancet Neurology
Is a person’s estimated lifetime risk of developing MND. MND Association
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
A progressive condition affecting movement
Motor neurone disease damages the nerves (motor neurones) that send messages from the brain to the muscles. As these nerves stop working, the muscles gradually weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how a person moves, speaks, eats and breathes.
MND affects everyone differently and progresses at different speeds. Alongside weakness, people may experience muscle stiffness, cramps, pain and disturbed sleep, which can affect quality of life.
Because MND is uncommon and complex, care is led by specialists and a wider team. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining the best possible quality of life.
Recognising the impact
Common motor neurone disease symptoms
MND affects people differently and symptoms change over time. They can include:
- Muscle weakness and reduced mobility
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Pain or discomfort
- Low mood
- Disturbed sleep
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
MND care is coordinated by a specialist team and focuses on symptoms and quality of life. Recognised options include:
- Riluzole, which can help slow progression for some people
- Baclofen for muscle stiffness and spasms
- Quinine for muscle cramps
- Amitriptyline or carbocisteine for saliva and secretions
- Antidepressants such as SSRIs where mood support is needed
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and palliative support
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If motor neurone disease symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
Can medical cannabis support motor neurone disease symptoms?
Medical cannabis is not a treatment for motor neurone disease. It may only be considered by a specialist as symptom support — for example for muscle stiffness, pain or sleep — alongside your existing specialist care.
Used alongside specialist and palliative care, medical cannabis may help with certain symptoms such as muscle stiffness, pain or disturbed sleep. A specialist reviews your situation to consider whether it could support your comfort.
Where standard options have not provided enough relief, a specialist may consider whether prescription medical cannabis could help with specific symptoms such as muscle stiffness, pain, low mood or poor sleep. Effects can vary from person to person, and any decision is made carefully with a specialist.
At CannaRelief, a GMC-registered specialist reviews the person’s diagnosis, current treatment and medicines, and works alongside the existing care team so any treatment fits within their wider plan.
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?
Developing evidence (symptom support)
Evidence relates to symptom relief rather than changing the course of MND. Any consideration is symptom support alongside recognised specialist and palliative care.
- Riluzole and supportive therapies are the recognised approach to MND.
- Medical cannabis does not treat the disease itself.
- Any role is symptom support (e.g. stiffness, pain, sleep) alongside your team.
Related support
Explore related motor neurone disease 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
Motor Neurone Disease FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for MND symptoms in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, but only a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe it, and only when it is clinically appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee a prescription.
Can medical cannabis treat or slow MND?
No. Medical cannabis does not treat the underlying disease or slow its progression. Where appropriate, it may be considered only to help manage certain symptoms alongside specialist and palliative care.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP and care team informed where you wish.
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.
Will medical cannabis be prescribed if I am eligible?
Not necessarily. A prescribing decision is only made after a full clinical assessment by a specialist, and treatment is not suitable for everyone.
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.