Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 2 Interventional Ages 26 to 59

Cannabis-derived THC vs CBD in people with multiple sclerosis

Official title: The Differential Effects of THC vs. CBD on Cognition in Persons With MS

Run by University of Calgary · NCT06261489 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether THC or CBD pills affect thinking skills and bladder symptoms in people with MS.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages26 Years to 59 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Calgary
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 5, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2027
Study endsSeptember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT06261489 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults 26-59 with confirmed MS and neurogenic bladder symptoms who are on stable NLUTD therapy and willing to adhere to study procedures.

Probably not a fit

Patients with recent MS relapse, major psychiatric or neurological disorders, or recent high cannabis use may not benefit and could be excluded.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind trial comparing THC and CBD taken orally for 15 weeks in adults with multiple sclerosis and neurogenic bladder symptoms. Participants complete cognitive tests and questionnaires to see how each cannabinoid affects cognitive function and bladder-related symptoms. The trial aims to clarify potential cognitive risks and differences between THC and CBD in this population. Eligibility includes adults 26-59 with MS and NLUTD, stable NLUTD treatment, and consent to participate; exclusions cover major psychiatric or neurological conditions and recent cannabis use. The study is led by the University of Calgary with partner support from the MS Society of Canada, at Calgary sites.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, results could guide safer use of cannabis-based medicines for MS patients, particularly regarding cognition and bladder symptoms.

How similar studies have gone: Previous cannabis studies in MS have shown mixed cognitive effects; this trial adds direct THC vs CBD comparison in a NLUTD-enriched MS population.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 26 and 59 years inclusive.
* Confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis as per McDonald criteria (any type) \[12\]
* Symptoms of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) as measured by neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS), with a minimum score of 7.
* If already on a medication for NLUTD, must be stable on this medication for at least 4 weeks.
* Sexually active men and women of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception.
* Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
* Major neurological disorder which could affect cognition such as dementia, traumatic brain injury.
* Seizure disorder
* Use of antipsychotic medication
* Use of benzodiazepines other than exclusively at night/bedtime
* Experienced a MS relapse in the last ninety (90) days.
* Current use of cannabis or CBM greater than 3x/week.
* Currently using cannabis/CBM less than 3x/week and being unwilling to abstain for the duration of the study.
* Visual acuity (binocular) worse than 20/70 (in order to complete the cognitive outcomes)
* Significant upper extremity disability that would interfere with the cognitive tests battery.
* Indwelling catheter use/urinary diversion
* Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Where it's running

  • University of Calgary Foothills Medical Center
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Recruiting
  • University of Calgary
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.