Qualifying Medical Conditions

Spinal cord injury

  • Muscle stiffness (spasticity): Limited. Small trials of oral THC (dronabinol) and nabilone reduced spasticity; in a 12-person crossover trial, nabilone lowered muscle tone scores (SCIRE evidence review; nabilone pilot). A state evidence review found results for the THC/CBD mouth spray mixed (Utah 2023).
  • Nerve pain: Limited. See Neuropathy.

Compared with standard treatment: Baclofen, tizanidine, botulinum toxin injections, and intrathecal baclofen for spasticity; gabapentin or pregabalin for nerve pain.

Good to know: THC can lower blood pressure, which matters for people prone to dizziness on standing. Take care with transfers and falls when starting.

What to ask for: A THC-containing oral product, or a balanced 1:1 product, the types used in the spasticity trials, started at night.