Researchers from Fundació Institut Guttmann and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona have found that a spray containing both THC and CBD can significantly reduce spasticity in individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI) who haven’t responded to standard therapies.
The prospective, observational study involved adults over 18 with chronic SCI and moderate to severe spasticity. Participants received nabiximols (Sativex®), a THC and CBD oromucosal spray, with weekly dose adjustments and were evaluated at one and two months after starting treatment. Spasticity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
Results showed notable improvements. After one month, VAS scores dropped by 30% (p < 0.001) and MAS scores by 60% (p = 0.001). At two months, VAS scores remained 30% lower (p < 0.001), with MAS scores improving by 52% (p = 0.011). In addition, 67% of participants reported a positive outcome on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale.
However, the study did not find significant changes in spasm frequency, neuropathic pain, sleep quality, or functional independence. The degree of spinal cord injury (complete vs. incomplete) did not significantly affect the outcome.
The findings suggest that nabiximols may be a valuable add-on therapy for managing spasticity in SCI patients who do not benefit from conventional treatments.
