Cannabis (THC vs. CBD) in Multiple Sclerosis

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of Cannabis components, THC and CBD, on cognition and bladder symptoms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants will complete questionnaires and cognitive tests. They will be randomly assigned to receive either CBD or THC oil and will take the study drug for 15 weeks.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Cannabis and cannabis-based medicines (CBM) are often used by persons with MS (PwMS). Cannabis research to date indicates that its use worsens cognitive function in PwMS. Additionally, cognitive impairment (CI) is already a frequent consequence of MS, with a significant negative impact on quality of life (QOL). This is pilot randomized, double blinded, double arm clinical trial of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 25 mg or Cannabidiol (CBD) 50 mg orally for 15 weeks in people with MS trial. The investigators will recruit PwMS with symptoms of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). These participants can either be on a treatment that has been only partially effective (as per patient report) or has never tried an intervention for their NLUTD symptoms. The primary aim is to evaluate the differential effect of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on cognitive outcomes in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) using cannabis for NLUTD. The results of our proposed study will better inform both healthcare practitioners and patients with respect to the potential risks of treatment with cannabis-based products and any difference with respect to THC vs. CBD-based products.