CBD and ALS: What the Research Says (and Doesn't)
An honest look at the research on CBD and ALS: animal studies, a cannabis-extract trial for muscle stiffness, and what we still don't know.
By the Mission CBD Guide Team
CBD education & consultations · October 27, 2026 · 6 min read
The short answer
Research on CBD and ALS is at an early stage. Animal studies show some interesting signals, and one human trial found a cannabis spray eased muscle stiffness, but that spray contained roughly equal parts THC and CBD. No CBD product is approved to treat ALS, and none has been shown to slow the disease. If you or a loved one is living with ALS, talk with your neurology team before trying any cannabis product. This article explains research, not a treatment recommendation; retail CBD is not a substitute for medical care.
Why are people with ALS interested in CBD?
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells controlling movement. Alongside medical care, many people look for ways to support comfort and quality of life.
In a French questionnaire survey, 28 of 129 respondents (21.7%) reported using cannabis to relieve ALS symptoms, mainly CBD oil or herbal cannabis. Reported benefits were self-reported; the survey cannot establish efficacy or estimate use among all people with ALS.
What have animal studies found?
In a 2025 study in Psychopharmacology, researchers fed CBD to mice bred to develop an ALS-like condition. CBD reduced the weight loss these mice normally experience, especially in females. It did not improve their movement problems. The authors said dose and timing need more study. (study)
Animal results are a starting point for research. They often don't carry over to people.
What have human trials found?
CANALS, published in The Lancet Neurology in 2018, randomized 60 people with ALS or primary lateral sclerosis, 30 per group. The final analysis included 59 participants: 29 receiving nabiximols and 30 receiving placebo, during a six-week double-blind treatment phase.
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity) scores improved slightly in the nabiximols group and worsened slightly with placebo.
- On the patient global impression of change measure, 55% receiving nabiximols reported improvement, compared with 13% receiving placebo. This was not evidence of slowed disease progression.
- Side effects were more common with nabiximols (76% vs. 27%), mostly weakness, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. None were serious.
Two important caveats. Nabiximols is a prescription medicine, not a supplement. And each spray contains about as much THC as CBD, so these results don't tell us what CBD alone would do.
EMERALD was designed to test a high-CBD, low-THC extract in 30 people in Australia. Its study protocol was published in BMJ Open in 2019. A protocol describes a planned study; it is not evidence of a treatment effect.
So what does this mean?
| Question | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Does CBD slow or stop ALS? | No evidence that it does |
| Can cannabis products ease muscle stiffness? | One small trial of a THC+CBD prescription spray found a modest effect |
| What about CBD alone? | Only animal data so far |
| Is CBD approved for ALS? | No |
Talking with your care team
If you're considering CBD, bring it up with your neurologist or ALS clinic. CBD can interact with some medications, and your team can help you weigh it alongside your current care. It's also worth asking whether any clinical trials are recruiting near you.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBD cure or slow ALS?
No. There's no evidence that CBD cures ALS or slows its progression.
Is Sativex the same as CBD oil?
No. Sativex (nabiximols) is a prescription spray with roughly equal THC and CBD. Over-the-counter CBD oils are different products.
Is CBD safe to take with ALS medications?
CBD can interact with some medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Sources
Questions about CBD?
If your care team agrees CBD may fit into your general wellness routine, we're happy to talk through product types, quality testing and what to expect. Our consultations are free and are not medical advice.
