Migraine: Combining THC and CBD shows promise
Preclinical and retrospective studies have long suggested that cannabinoids may help treat migraine. A randomised, placebo-controlled trial now adds encouraging findings using vaporised cannabis flower. Of the 92 adults enrolled, 73 treated at least one migraine attack. The trial compared THC-dominant flower, CBD-dominant flower and a combined THC–CBD preparation with a placebo, with participants using the treatments in a randomly assigned sequence.
The combination of around 6% THC and 11% CBD produced the strongest results: after two hours, pain relief was reported in approximately 67% of the attacks analysed, compared with 47% under placebo. Complete freedom from pain was achieved in around 35% of attacks, compared with 16%. THC alone also outperformed placebo for pain relief, though not for complete freedom from pain, while CBD alone showed no significant benefit. These findings provide a promising basis for further migraine research. Further studies will need to establish whether the benefits hold with more frequent use and how well the treatment is tolerated over the longer term. Read the study
Epilepsy: New possibilities for hard-to-treat seizures
Highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) has already been shown to reduce seizure frequency in certain severe forms of epilepsy. A systematic review published in Epilepsy Research in 2026 now looks at other hard-to-treat forms of the condition, focusing on patients for whom additional treatment options are particularly important.
The review includes 57 studies involving a total of 971 patients. In 47 studies, a reduction in seizure frequency was reported in at least one patient, and some also documented periods without seizures. Reported side effects were mostly mild to moderate and often involved digestive symptoms. These findings support further investigation of highly purified CBD across a wider range of epilepsies. As many of the included studies were case reports or small case series, larger controlled trials are needed to explore the benefits further. Read the study
Multiple sclerosis: Easing spasticity, making daily life easier
In our 7 May edition, Manuel Kralik described the difference symptom relief can make in everyday life. Living with MS, he shared how medical cannabis helps him manage pain and muscle spasms and cope better with daily activities.
A review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in August 2026 examines treatments for MS-related spasticity, drawing on 27 randomised controlled trials with more than 3,000 participants. THC–CBD extracts showed particular benefits, producing a small but statistically significant improvement in patient-reported spasticity compared with placebo. Improvements in objective measures of muscle tone were less clear. Side effects such as dizziness and fatigue were common, but mostly mild to moderate. The researchers see a potential role for cannabinoids as an add-on treatment for MS-related spasticity, offering patients another option for symptom relief. Read the study
Pain medicine: Cannabinoids in guidelines and practice
Pain management remains an important area of medical cannabis use and research. Bringing new findings into clinical care also depends on an ongoing exchange between researchers and practitioners. The German Pain Congress in Mannheim, taking place from 21 to 24 October 2026, provides an opportunity for experts to discuss current developments and future directions in pain care.
From research to everyday life
These recent publications offer encouraging findings and help clarify the potential benefits of cannabinoids. The key question is a practical one: which patients might benefit from which preparation, and for which symptoms? Each well-supported answer can help guide treatment choices and shape future care.
From the editorial team:
Do you have any questions, suggestions or ideas for topics for the Cannabis Briefing?
If so, please feel free to email us at briefing@cansativa.de.
This edition was written by:
Nicole Borges Steeb
External Affairs Manager
Cansativa Group