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Cannabis use as described by people with multiple sclerosis
S A Page1, M J Verhoef, R A Stebbins
1Office of Medical Bioethics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Summary
Many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) report symptom relief from cannabis use. Further research into cannabis for MS symptom management is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent neurological disease, particularly affecting young adults.
- Alberta, Canada, reports some of the highest MS prevalence globally (217 per 100,000).
- Anecdotal evidence suggests cannabis may alleviate MS symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cannabis use patterns among individuals with MS.
- To explore patient beliefs, practices, and experiences regarding cannabis for symptom management.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to 780 adults diagnosed with MS in southern Alberta.
- A response rate of 62% was achieved with 420 completed questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 96% of respondents recognized cannabis's potential therapeutic use for MS; 72% supported medicinal legalization.
- 43% had used cannabis, with 16% using it for medicinal purposes.
- Reported symptom relief included anxiety/depression, spasticity, and chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- The majority of MS patients using cannabis reported subjective symptom improvement.
- Barriers to use included legal status, side effect concerns, and lack of access information.
- Further scientific evaluation of cannabis for MS symptom amelioration is warranted.