Child spasticity can improve with THC according to a pilot study

A pilot study conducted in Germany has found evidence that the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis) can be helpful in cases of child spasticity. With the spasticity, some muscles of the body are permanently contracted, causing the appearance of stiffness and involuntary movements.

Researchers at the University of Dusseldorf administered an oily solution of THC to a group of 16 children with ages 1 to 26 years, suffering from spasticity resistant to other treatments. Patients were treated between 2010 and 2015 with doses of THC and variable treatment duration as appropriate.

Despite the small size of the study, the results were positive and indicate that cannabis may be an effective remedy. “Most paediatric palliative patients showed promising effects on spasticity resistant to treatment”, the researchers concluded.

Spasticity is a nervous system disorder that manifests with involuntary muscle contraction. His appearance is often related to trauma or disease affecting the brain or spinal cord. People who suffer from it can have difficulty sustaining activities such as speech, balance or swallowing.