Intractable Skeletal Muscular Spasticity & Medical Cannabis

Intractable Skeletal Muscular Spasticity

Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity is muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle contractions that are severe, persistent, and have not responded adequately to conventional antispasticity treatments such as baclofen, tizanidine, or physical therapy. This condition can severely limit mobility, cause pain, and significantly reduce quality of life.

Common underlying causes include spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, cerebral palsy, and other central nervous system conditions. Patients with these diagnoses who experience spasticity as a significant symptom may qualify for the NJ Medical Marijuana Program.

How Cannabis May Help

Cannabis — particularly THC:CBD combinations — has demonstrated antispasticity effects through action on cannabinoid receptors in the spinal cord and brain that modulate motor neuron excitability. This is the mechanism behind Sativex, the cannabis-derived medication approved for MS spasticity in many countries.

Clinical evidence supports cannabis for spasticity management in MS, spinal cord injury, and TBI patients, with reductions in both objective spasticity measures and patient-reported stiffness and pain.

What to Expect

Your evaluation will include a review of your underlying neurological condition, current antispasticity regimen, and functional limitations. Your provider will assess whether cannabis would complement your existing treatment and provide guidance on delivery methods most appropriate for managing spasticity (which may differ from those used for pain or anxiety).