Cannabinoid use among Americans with MS: Current trends and gaps in knowledge

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cannabinoid use is prevalent among individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• There is a need for current data on the scope and impact of cannabinoid use in this population.
• This information is crucial for advancing clinical practice and cannabinoid research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the patterns of cannabinoid utilization in a national cohort of people with MS (PwMS).
• To assess the perceived impact of cannabinoid use on symptom management in PwMS.
• To understand the reasons for use, preferred formulations, and experienced benefits and side effects.

Main Methods:

• Data were gathered through a nationwide survey focused on pain in PwMS.
• The survey included questions on current/recent cannabinoid use, reasons for use, and preferred THC/CBD formulations.
• Symptom severity was measured using PROMIS short-forms, and pain phenotypes were assessed using validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• 42% of 1,027 respondents reported recent cannabinoid use, with only 18% receiving guidance from a healthcare provider.
• Recent/current users showed higher PROMIS scores (excluding cognitive abilities) and greater pain centralization and neuropathic pain.
• Sleep and pain were the primary reasons for use, with benefits strongly correlated (r=0.65). CBD-predominant formulations were favored.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoid use is widespread among PwMS, often without professional medical guidance.
• Reported benefits for sleep and pain are significant, highlighting the potential of cannabinoids.
• The diverse perceived effects of THC and CBD underscore the necessity for tailored, evidence-based guidelines for cannabinoid therapy in MS.