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An open-label pilot study of cannabis-based extracts for bladder dysfunction in advanced multiple sclerosis

Dept. of Uro-Neurology, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK

R DasGupta

Dept. of Uro-Neurology, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK

C Dalton

Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK

O J Wiseman

Dept. of Uro-Neurology, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK

K J Berkley

Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

C J Fowler

Dept. of Uro-Neurology, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK, c.fowler{at}ion.ucl.ac.uk

The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Anecdotal reports suggest that cannabis may alleviate LUTS, and cannabinoid receptors in the bladder and nervous system are potential pharmacological targets. In an open trial we evaluated the safety, tolerability, dose range, and efficacy of two whole-plant extracts of Cannabis sativa in patients with advanced MS and refractory LUTS. Patients took extracts containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD; 2.5 mg of each per spray) for eight weeks followed by THC-only (2.5 mg THC per spray) for a further eight weeks, and then into a long-term extension. Assessments included urinary frequency and volume charts, incontinence pad weights, cystometry and visual analogue scales for secondary troublesome symptoms. Twenty-one patients were recruited and data from 15 were evaluated. Urinary urgency, the number and volume of incontinence episodes, frequency and nocturia all decreased significantly following treatment (PB/0.05, Wilcoxon’s signed rank test). However, daily total voided, catheterized and urinary incontinence pad weights also decreased significantly on both extracts. Patient self-assessment of pain, spasticity and quality of sleep improved significantly (PB/0.05, Wilcoxon’s signed rank test) with pain improvement continuing up to median of 35 weeks. There were few troublesome side effects, suggesting that cannabis-based medicinal extracts are a safe and effective treatment for urinary and other problems in patients with advanced MS.

Key Words: cannabidiol • cannabis • delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol • multiple sclerosis • neurogenic detrusor overactivity • neuropathic pain • sleep disorder • spasticity • urinary incontinence

Multiple Sclerosis, Vol. 10, No. 4, 425-433 (2004)
DOI: 10.1191/1352458504ms1063oa


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