Managing Motor Neurone Disease with Medical Cannabis
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and nerves and causes weakness that continues to worsen over time. MND can significantly reduce life expectancy and ultimately leads to death, however, treatments may help to improve quality of life and extend a patient’s lifespan, somewhat.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease are usually slow to develop and may not be obvious at first. This may mean that a diagnosis is made relatively late, however, there are some early signs which may be symptoms of MND.
These can include:
- Weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- Slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods
- Weak grip/ loss of dexterity in fingers – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Weight loss– your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time
- Difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
Cause and treatment
MND is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. The condition develops when these cells gradually stop working over time, though it is not understood why this happens.
Having a close relative with motor neurone disease, or a related condition called frontotemporal dementia, can sometimes mean you're more likely to get it; however, in most cases, MND does not run in the family.
There is currently no known cure for MND, however, treatments can help to prolong life and reduce the impact on everyday life. Following a diagnosis of MND, you will receive care from GPs and specialist physicians who will determine the right treatment options for you. These can include:
- Admission to highly specialised clinics: usually involving a specialist nurse and occupational therapy to help make everyday tasks easier
- Physiotherapy and exercises to maintain strength and reduce stiffness
- Advice from a speech and language therapist
- Advice from a dietitian about diet and eating
- Riluzole - a medicine that can slightly slowdown the progression of the condition
- Medicines to relieve muscle stiffness and help with saliva problems
- Emotional support for you and your carer
- End of life care
Medical Cannabis and Motor Neurone Disease
If traditional treatment options such as those listed above fail to provide relief, medical cannabis can be considered to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with Motor Neurone Disease. There is evidence to support the potential of medical cannabis in improving symptoms associated with MND which can lead to an improvement in quality of life.
In a study from 2014, researchers found that cannabinoid-based medicines were able to improve spasticity and quality-of-life measures; specifically, “nabiximols had a positive effect on spasticity symptoms in patients with Motor Neurone Disease”.
Our specialist physcians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help with symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
While medical cannabis is not a cure for MND, it may help relieve associated symptoms such as muscle stiffness, cramps, pain, and anxiety. At Cantourage Clinic, we work with MND patients to explore whether cannabis-based treatments can provide comfort and support when traditional therapies fall short.
Is it legal to use medical cannabis for MND in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, medical cannabis can be prescribed by a specialist doctor for chronic or life-limiting conditions like MND—especially when first-line treatments are ineffective. Cantourage Clinic operates under strict regulatory standards to provide safe, legal access to medical cannabis where appropriate.
What symptoms of MND can medical cannabis potentially help with?
Patients with MND may benefit from medical cannabis for symptoms such as spasticity, muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Our clinicians tailor each treatment plan based on your specific challenges and needs, focusing on improving quality of life through regulated cannabis-based therapies.
How can I begin treatment for MND with medical cannabis at Cantourage Clinic?
The process begins with a specialist consultation. During your appointment, our doctors will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and determine if medical cannabis could be a helpful part of your care plan. If eligible, we provide ongoing support from prescription to product selection.