Effect of Cannabinoids use on Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome among Adults: A Scoping Review

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as tingling, crawling, or aching. Symptoms typically worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly in the evening or at night. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the efficacy of cannabis and cannabinoids in alleviating symptoms associated with RLS.

A comprehensive search of electronic databases-including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ClinicalKey, and ClinicalTrials.gov-was conducted from database inception to April 30, 2025. Various keywords related to cannabis, cannabinoids, and RLS were used to identify relevant clinical studies.

A total of 5,370 records were identified, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria for final review. The evidence suggests that cannabis or cannabidiol may improve or prevent RLS symptoms.

Current evidence indicates that cannabis, in various forms, may alleviate or prevent symptoms of RLS through multiple mechanisms. However, the existing literature is limited to case reports, cross-sectional surveys, and post hoc analyses. In the absence of high-quality randomized controlled trials, the evidence is insufficient to support clinical recommendations at this time.