THC/CBD combination reduces Restless Legs Syndrome severity in patients with multiple sclerosis and idiopathic RLS
In an exploratory open-label trial, 2.7 mg THC/2.5 mg CBD significantly improved IRLS scores after 1 and 3 months (p<0.001), with sustained improvement at 1 year in 66.66% of patients. Wake after sleep onset was also significantly reduced (p=0.015).
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THC/CBD combination reduces Restless Legs Syndrome severity in patients with multiple sclerosis and idiopathic RLS The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
THC/CBD combination reduces Restless Legs Syndrome severity in patients with multiple sclerosis and idiopathic RLS
This conclusion is most relevant to: 18 patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (16 with multiple sclerosis, 2 with idiopathic RLS); mean age 51.87 years, 55.5% women.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. (Journal of neurology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Cannabinoids inhibit glutamate release in the striatum
- ▸Reduced glutamate release may decrease neuronal hyperexcitability
- ▸This modulation alleviates RLS symptoms
- ▸Result: Reduced RLS severity and improved sleep continuity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸18 patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (16 with multiple sclerosis, 2 with idiopathic RLS); mean age 51.87 years, 55.5% women
Recommended Dose
2.7 mg THC/2.5 mg CBD daily (with optional titration at week 4)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Open-label design with no placebo control, limiting causal inference
- ▸Small sample size (n=18) with heterogeneous population (mostly MS patients)
- ▸Short-term follow-up for primary endpoint (3 months), with only 66.66% completing 1-year assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What dose of THC/CBD was used in this study?▼
The study used 2.7 mg THC combined with 2.5 mg CBD, with optional dose titration at week 4.
How long did the treatment effects last?▼
Improvements in RLS severity were observed after 1 and 3 months, and among the 66.66% of patients who continued treatment, benefits were sustained at 1 year.
Did the treatment improve sleep quality?▼
Wake after sleep onset (WASO) significantly decreased, but sleep latency and sleep efficiency did not show significant changes.
Was this study conducted in patients with multiple sclerosis?▼
Yes, 16 out of 18 participants had multiple sclerosis; the remaining 2 had idiopathic RLS.
References
- 1.Lillo Triguero L, Pilo de la Fuente B, Díaz Díaz J, López Riolobos C, Aladro Benito Y. “Tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol in the treatment of restless legs syndrome..” Journal of neurology, 2026. PMID: 42387200 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-026-13975-y