As with numerous other conditions, scientific research of the effectiveness of cannabis for patients suffering spinal cord injuries is lacking. However, there are anecdotal reports of improvement of pain, spasticity, muscle spasms, bladder problems and sleep in patients suffering spinal cord injury.1,2
In a 2007 study of 25 patients with spinal cord injury receiving either oral THC or rectal THC-hemisuccinate, there was a significant decrease in spasticity scores and the researchers concluded, “THC is an effective and safe drug in the treatment of spasticity. At least 15-20mg per day were needed to achieve a therapeutic effect.”3 A report of 11 patients with spinal cord injury given a synthetic cannabinoid, Nabilone, also found significant reduction of spasticity.4
A number of my patients with spinal cord injury report that they find relief of pain, spasticity and insomnia with cannabis use. These patients often struggle to maintain quality of life and often go through bouts of anxiety and depression.5 Many report that they began using cannabis to treat the physical symptoms of their injury but find that they achieved an added benefit of a psychological sense of well being with cannabis use.
Patients with spinal cord injury are finding relief with THC-rich cannabis and combination CBD+THC medicine based on personal preference and response. Most prefer to inhale due to the rapid onset with quick relief of spasticity and pain although a few of my patients have found relief with sublingual tinctures and/or edibles. I encourage patients with cervical or thoracic level injuries who want to inhale to use vaporizers as they are at increased risk for pulmonary infections. Terpenoids that are relaxing and sedating, such as linalool and myrcene, can be helpful for spasticity, anxiety and sleep.
Institute of Medicine. The medical value of marijuana and related substances. Marijuana and medicine: Assessing the science base. Joy, J. E., Watson, S. J., and Benson, J. A. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1999.
Malec, J., Harvey, R. F., and Cayner, J. J. (1982). Cannabis effect on spasticity in spinal cord injury. Arch.Phys.Med.Rehabil. 63: 116-118.
Hagenbach, U., et al. “The treatment of spasticity with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in persons with spinal cord injury.” Spinal Cord 45.8 (2007): 551-562.
Pooyania, S., Ethans, K., Szturm, T., Casey, A. and others. (2010). A randomized, double-blinded, crossover pilot study assessing the effect of nabilone on spasticity in persons with spinal cord injury. Arch.Phys.Med.Rehabil. 91: 703-707.
Mann, R., et al. “Burden of spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain in the United States: retrospective chart review and cross-sectional survey.” Spinal Cord 51.7 (2013): 564-570.