Chronic Pain
Medical cannabis treatments for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) affects 1 in 2,500 people and represents a group of inherited, progressive neurological disorders that damage the peripheral nerves over time. These nerves are responsible for controlling muscular movements and relaying sensory information back to the central nervous system.
At Releaf, our world-class clinical team can prescribe medical cannabis to eligible patients with CMT, following the legalisation of medical cannabis by the UK government back in November 2018.
1 in 2,500
people are affected by CMT, making it the most common inherited neuromuscular disorder
5 to 15
years old is when the main symptoms of CMT usually first appear, though they can also develop later on in life
91.7%
of CMT patients reported that medical cannabis provided at least 50% relief for chronic pain symptoms, according to a small survey
95.5%
of patients with neurological disorders reported a meaningful improvement in their quality of life after starting medical cannabis treatment with Releaf.
Symptoms
Anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances
Cold hands and feet
Curled toes
Lack of feeling in the arms and feet
Lack of muscle in the lower legs
Muscle weakness in the feet, ankles and legs
Muscular cramps and spasms
Scoliosis
Shaking hands
Swallowing difficulties
Tiredness and fatigue
Very arched or flat feet
The symptoms of CMT gradually worsen over time. While they usually appear between the ages of 5 and 15, they may not develop until much later in life. The main symptoms include:
Treatment options:
There are currently no effective treatments available to either reverse or slow the underlying mechanism of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Conventional treatments are usually targeted at specific symptoms, making the condition easier to manage. These include:
Dietary changes
Gabapentinoids (for neuropathic pain)
Occupational therapy and lifestyle changes
Physiotherapy (using low-impact exercises)
Plantars, orthoses and walking aids
Prescribed medical cannabis
SNRIs (for neuropathic pain)
Sodium channel blockers (for neuropathic pain)
Surgeries, including osteotomy, arthrodesis or plantar fasciotomy
Tricyclic antidepressants (for neuropathic pain)
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A word from our specialist
“Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome is a progressive condition that affects the nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and a gradual loss of sensation, often in the feet and legs.
For many patients, the challenge isn't just physical. It’s also the impact the symptoms have on changing daily routines and how they affect mobility for patients over the long term.”
Dr Oladotun Abidakun
Neurologist
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Can medical cannabis treatments help the symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease represents a group of inherited conditions that cause damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in symptoms that gradually get worse and make day-to-day life more difficult. Prescribed medical cannabis may help some eligible patients to manage symptoms like chronic pain, sleep-related issues, and the mental toll such a diagnosis can cause.
What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
Named after the three doctors who first described the condition back in 1886, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease essentially refers to any form of inherited peripheral neuropathy.
Otherwise known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy or peroneal muscular atrophy, CMT is a progressive condition caused by the peripheral nerves becoming more and more damaged over time.
These nerves function outside the brain and spinal cord (the main central nervous system) and are responsible for controlling muscles and carrying sensations, like touch, heat and pain, back to our brain. When they become damaged, these signals get weaker, resulting in a wide array of symptoms.
But these symptoms may not appear straight away.
While most people will experience symptoms between the ages of 5 and 15, they sometimes won’t develop until much later on in life. At that point, they may develop in one of several ways, but more on that later.
Who does Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affect in the UK?
CMT is the most common form of inherited neuromuscular disorder, meaning that it runs in families. In the UK, it’s estimated to affect approximately 25,000 people.
As a genetic disorder, the condition is commonly caused by a mutation in a gene known as PMP22, which is normally responsible for producing the proteins that make up the myelin sheath that protects the nerves.
However, CMT can be caused by more than 100 other faulty genes, which is partly why it can vary so much from person to person.
What is the difference between Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other peripheral neuropathies?
While CMT may look similar to various other forms of peripheral neuropathy, there is one main difference: the underlying cause.
CMT is genetic, meaning that it’s only brought on when you inherit a faulty gene from one of your parents.
Many other forms of peripheral neuropathy are not genetic and are typically caused by something else, such as another condition (like diabetes), a treatment (like chemotherapy), an infection, or an injury.
This may sound easy to distinguish, but it’s not always that straightforward.
Since the symptoms of CMT can mirror several other conditions, CMT is often missed or misdiagnosed at first.
In fact, a recent study has shown that one in two patients receives an incorrect diagnosis at least once, with an average symptom-to-diagnosis time of 13.7 years.
What symptoms does Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease cause?
The symptoms of CMT can vary a lot from patient to patient.
Even if you're related to a family member with the condition, you may develop different symptoms from one another, and at different ages. So, it’s not possible to predict when symptoms will first appear or how severe they’ll be.
CMT symptoms can also appear at different stages, from early-onset issues in young children to other related problems as the condition progresses. Let’s break them down stage by stage.
Early symptoms of CMT typically appear in young children and include:
-
being particularly clumsy and prone to accidents
-
walking difficulties
-
toes dropping forward when lifting the feet
The main symptoms of CMT usually affect people aged between 5 and 15, and include:
-
muscle weakness in the feet, ankles and legs
-
very arched or flat feet
-
curled toes
-
lack of feeling in the arms and feet
-
cold hands and feet
-
lack of muscle in the lower legs, causing an ‘upside-down champagne bottle’ shape
-
muscular cramps and spasms
-
tiredness and fatigue
-
shaking hands
-
scoliosis
-
swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
As CMT progresses, it can lead to a range of later symptoms due to the lack of sensation and increased muscle weakness. For example, you might experience:
-
issues with hand strength
-
persistent pain, especially while walking
-
poor posture
-
muscle and joint pain
-
neuropathic pain
-
anxiety
-
depression
-
sleep disturbances
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the best place to start is by speaking to your GP. They will then be able to refer you for any tests you may need to diagnose the condition.
What treatments are currently available for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
There’s currently no cure for CMT or any effective method to either reverse or slow the underlying disease mechanism. But it’s not all bad news.
Conventional treatment options are highly effective at helping manage CMT symptoms, combating pain and improving overall patient quality of life. This is due to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) responsible for your treatment, who offer a tailored approach that puts you at the front and centre of your care.
Each part of this team has an important role to play and may offer a range of treatments depending on the symptoms you have.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most commonly recommended treatments for CMT.
|
Type of treatment |
Specialism (as part of MDT) |
Clinical context |
|---|---|---|
|
Physiotherapy |
Physiotherapist |
Low-impact exercises like stretching, swimming and moderate weight training are designed to improve muscular and mobility-related issues |
|
Occupational therapy and lifestyle changes |
Occupational therapist |
Practical solutions recommended to make everyday life easier, as well as relevant lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, diet and foot care |
|
Plantars, orthoses and walking aids |
Neurologist or GP |
Devices, like insoles, ankle braces and thumb splints, designed to be worn in your shoes or on your legs to help improve limb strength and mobility |
|
Medications |
Neurologist or GP |
Different types of medications may be recommended depending on your symptoms, including NSAIDs for joint and muscle pain or gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, SNRIs or sodium channel blockers for neuropathic pain |
|
Surgery |
Orthopaedic surgeon |
Surgical procedures like osteotomy, arthrodesis or plantar fasciotomy may be used to correct severe foot deformities and relieve related pain |
|
Prescribed medical cannabis |
Specialist |
A clinician-led treatment that may be included as part of a wider plan to help eligible patients manage specific symptoms, such as neuropathic pain. |
While these treatments may be effective at managing certain symptoms, every patient is different, and they may not work as well for some people as others.
We often hear about the impact of prescribed medical cannabis on chronic pain from our patients. To discover first-hand accounts, take a look at our patient stories.
Can medical cannabis treatment help with my Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease symptoms?
Having a medical cannabis prescription may help some eligible patients with CMT to manage certain associated symptoms, including neuropathic pain, muscle cramps and low mood.
It may also reduce your reliance on other forms of treatment, improve your ability to sleep and help reduce day-to-day fatigue. But it’s not suitable for everyone.
Since medical cannabis doesn’t target the underlying cause of CMT, it won’t repair the nerve damage that’s already happened or stop it from progressing any more. It’s not a cure and should only be included as part of a wider approach.
If you’re not sure whether medical cannabis is suitable for you, the best way to check is by using our medical cannabis eligibility checker or contacting our team. We’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
How does the endocannabinoid system relate to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signalling network that helps regulate many crucial bodily functions.
From our ability to learn and create memories to managing our temperature and overall mood, the ECS is made up of a certain type of neurotransmitter, known as an endocannabinoid.
These endocannabinoids work by binding to two main types of receptors, known as CB1 and CB2.
These are both found in the peripheral nervous system, the same network that CMT gradually damages over time. As such, there's a lot of clinical interest in how the ECS could be utilised to help manage the neuropathic pain and symptoms that many people with CMT experience.
In other words, the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS help regulate pain, so they may provide CMT patients with various therapeutic options. Talking of which…
How do THC and CBD impact Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
When the cannabinoids contained in medical cannabis enter the body, they interact with the same CB1 and CB2 receptors that the endocannabinoid system uses.
These cannabinoids are known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
-
THC has been shown to act more directly on the CB1 receptors that gate pain signals as they travel through the nervous system.
-
CBD, on the other hand, interacts with CB2 receptors and is better known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Working together, the two may help to influence how pain signals are produced and processed, which may help patients with CMT to manage their neuropathic pain, ease muscle cramps and get more restful sleep.
What does the research say about medical cannabis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
Research into the relationship between CMT and medical cannabis remains fairly limited. But there has been a bigger push over recent years, largely thanks to the growing impact of medical cannabis on chronic pain.
While only a few studies have looked at the direct link between medical cannabis and CMT, there’s a much broader body of evidence on neuropathic pain, one of the main symptoms CMT is associated with.
So, with this in mind, here’s a quick breakdown of the most relevant findings to have been published over recent years.
|
Name of study |
Year of publication |
Results |
|
Patient Reported Outcomes Using Medical Cannabis for Managing Pain in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease |
2023 |
A small survey of 56 CMT patients who had previously taken medical cannabis. Most reported experiencing at least 50% pain relief, with an 80% reduction in pain the most common response. Many also reported using fewer opioids, sleep and anxiety medications. |
|
2023 |
A real-world study of 99 patients with chronic neuropathic pain treated with inhaled medical cannabis. The proportion with severe pain fell from 96% to 16%, with relief sustained across follow-ups and no severe side effects reported. |
|
|
2024 |
A systematic review of randomised placebo-controlled trials. It found that, compared with placebo, cannabinoids provided significant relief from chronic pain. |
|
|
2024 |
A review of 17 randomised controlled trials. Preparations containing THC had the most evidence for pain relief, while results for CBD-only preparations were less consistent and based on smaller, shorter studies. |
|
|
Are Cannabis-Based Medicines a Useful Treatment for Neuropathic Pain? A Systematic Review |
2025 |
A review of 22 randomised controlled trials investigating THC, CBD and combination products for nerve pain. It found that cannabis-based medicines may offer a useful treatment option, while calling for more high-quality, longer-term research. |
|
2025 |
An overview of how CMT is currently managed, which confirms there's still no treatment that can reverse or slow the condition. Care should focus on managing symptoms, including pain, which is where treatments like medical cannabis may offer a supporting role. |
How is Releaf medical cannabis prescribed for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
If you'd like to assess your suitability for medical cannabis, have a look at our medical cannabis eligibility checker.
Once you complete this and are deemed eligible, you'll be able to book a consultation with one of our specialists.
During this call, we will discuss your condition in more detail, outlining your ideal treatment needs and specific symptoms, before taking you through the options available.
Should you decide to move ahead with a medical cannabis prescription, you'll be joining a welcoming community of Releaf patients and gaining access to high-level, CQC-regulated care.
You’ll also receive your very own medical cannabis card, have access to fast and free travel certificates, and have an opportunity to join Releaf+.
You can find out more about our process, including answers on our pricing and how to refer a friend, by contacting our team.
Am I eligible for UK medical cannabis treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, when the government decided to update the law.
As such, medical cannabis can now be prescribed by a specialist at a CQC-regulated private clinic to help manage a wide range of conditions, including CMT.
However, to qualify for a medical cannabis prescription for CMT specifically, you'll need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
|
Eligibility criteria |
Further details |
|---|---|
|
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease diagnosis |
You'll need to have a diagnosis of CMT, with a record of related symptoms such as neuropathic pain or chronic pain |
|
Previous treatment use |
You must have tried at least two conventional treatments that have failed to provide adequate relief or caused unwanted side effects |
|
Pregnancy and breastfeeding |
You are not eligible for a medical cannabis prescription if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding |
|
Other diagnoses (such as psychosis or schizophrenia) |
You will most likely not be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription if you have been diagnosed with bipolar or schizophrenia, or have a history of psychosis |
|
Detailed medical history |
A full review of your existing medical history will be required before your initial consultation |
FAQs on medical cannabis for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
CMT is a highly complex condition, and there isn’t always a lot of clear, accessible information for those living with it in day-to-day life. That’s why we’re here to help, by answering some of the questions we’re asked about most often.
Can medical cannabis help with CMT-related foot pain and muscle cramps?
The answer to this depends on several factors, including your symptoms, age, weight, medical history and any other medications you’re taking already.
Medical cannabis is commonly prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain associated with CMT and may allow certain eligible patients to manage these symptoms more effectively.
That said, it’s not suitable for everyone. That’s why it’s so important to receive tailored, clinician-led care to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
How does medical cannabis interact with my existing CMT medications?
As with all other types of prescription medicine, medical cannabis may potentially interact with other forms of CMT medication you’re currently taking and lead to certain side effects.
This is because the two main cannabinoids medical cannabis contains, THC and CBD, can impact how the liver metabolises other medications, potentially increasing or decreasing their mode of action.
If you’re currently taking another form of medication for CMT but are considering adding medical cannabis to your wider treatment plan, speak to your specialist.
They will be able to advise whether a medical cannabis prescription is suitable and, if so, start you on a low dose to minimise the likelihood of interactions.
Can medical cannabis help with CMT-related fatigue?
While medical cannabis won’t treat the direct cause of CMT-related fatigue, it may help certain eligible patients to manage symptoms of pain and sleep disturbances more effectively.
This could then have a positive knock-on effect on fatigue during the day, thanks to the improved energy levels you may get from having a better night’s sleep.
But every patient is different. So, it’s important to speak to your clinician when looking to alleviate specific CMT symptoms, such as fatigue.
Which medical cannabis formats tend to work best for neuropathic pain in CMT?
There is no single best format of medical cannabis to help manage neuropathic pain in CMT. The right choice varies from patient to patient and will depend on your symptoms and how your body responds.
Oils and capsules tend to offer a longer-lasting, slower-onset effect, while inhaled formats like dried flower (via a vapouriser) or THC vapes act more quickly.
Ultimately, your clinician will work with you to find the best solution and medical cannabis strains or other medical cannabis medication options for your exact needs.
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