Rishikesh, India: Botanical cannabis and other cannabinoid preparations alleviate symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and hold promise as adjunctive treatments for RLS patients, according to the findings of a scientific review published in the journal Annals of the Indian Academy of Neurology.
A team of investigators affiliated with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences reviewed data from seven studies involving 426 patients with RLS. Study participants used various forms of cannabis, including botanical cannabis, tinctures, and cannabis-infused topicals.
Researchers expressed “cautious optimism” with respect to cannabis’ role in moderating RLS. Still, they acknowledged that larger, better-designed trials were necessary to provide a more “definitive” assessment of its efficacy.
“Preliminary evidence suggests that both illicit and medical cannabis may alleviate symptoms, even in refractory cases,” the study’s authors concluded. “The current evidence positions cannabis and cannabinoids as a potential adjunct rather than a replacement for established therapies. They may be worth considering in carefully selected patients — particularly those with refractory symptoms or intolerance to standard treatments — but only with a clear understanding of the uncertainties involved.”
In July, Spanish researchers published observational data in the Journal of Neurology finding that the daily administration of an oral spray containing standardized doses of THC and CBD provides sustained improvements for patients diagnosed with RLS. The conclusions of this most recent study were not included in the literature review.
Full text of the study, “Effect of cannabinoids use on symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome among adults: A scoping review,” appears in Annals of the Indian Academy of Neurology.