THC/CBD reduces RLS severity in patients with multiple sclerosis and idiopathic RLS
Treatment with 2.7 mg THC/2.5 mg CBD significantly improved International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLS) scores after 1 and 3 months (p < 0.001), with sustained improvement at 1 year (p = 0.000) in patients who continued therapy. Wake after sleep onset (WASO) was also significantly reduced (p = 0.015).
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THC/CBD reduces RLS 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 reduces RLS severity in patients with multiple sclerosis and idiopathic RLS
This conclusion is most relevant to: 18 patients with RLS (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 glutamatergic excitotoxicity
- ▸Modulation of sensorimotor pathways involved in RLS
- ▸Result: Decreased RLS severity and improved sleep continuity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸18 patients with RLS (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 (starting dose, titratable 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) and heterogeneous population (mostly MS patients), reducing generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What dose of THC/CBD was used in this study?▼
The starting dose was 2.7 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD, with possible dose titration at week 4.
Did the treatment improve sleep quality?▼
Yes, wake after sleep onset (WASO) significantly decreased, but sleep latency and sleep efficiency did not change significantly.
How long did the benefits last?▼
Improvements in RLS severity were sustained at 1 year in the 66.66% of patients who continued treatment.
Was this study conducted in patients with multiple sclerosis?▼
Yes, 16 of the 18 participants had multiple sclerosis, and 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