A survey of 52 pediatric-onset MS patients found 48% had used marijuana, with most using it for relaxation and symptom relief, while 64% of users acknowledged negative effects on memory and focus.
Read this if you are a young person with MS who uses or is considering marijuana.
48% of young MS patients used marijuana; 64% of users noticed memory effects
What the researchers found
Researchers surveyed 52 consecutive pediatric-onset MS patients from three US centers about their marijuana use attitudes and habits. Nearly half (48%) reported using marijuana, with most beginning in mid-to-late adolescence.
The most common reasons for use were relaxation (72%), improvement of medical problems (64%), and stress reduction (52%). This high rate of perceived medical benefit is notable given the limited evidence for marijuana in MS-related symptoms in young patients.
Perhaps most striking was the cognitive dissonance: 64% of marijuana users acknowledged that it negatively affected their memory and focus, yet continued to use it. Cost and access were not barriers to use, despite all respondents being under age 21.
This is particularly concerning because MS itself affects brain development and cognitive function in young patients, and marijuana exposure during adolescence could compound these effects.
Why it matters
Youth with MS face a unique double vulnerability: MS already impairs brain development, and adding marijuana exposure during adolescence could worsen cognitive outcomes. The finding that nearly half are using marijuana despite recognizing its memory effects suggests that current education and support are insufficient to address this risk.
The numbers in context
52 pediatric-onset MS patients surveyed. 48% reported marijuana use. Most started in mid-to-late adolescence. Reasons: relaxation (72%), medical improvement (64%), stress reduction (52%). 64% of users perceived negative effects on memory and focus. All respondents under age 21.
How the study worked
A structured questionnaire was administered to 52 consecutive pediatric-onset MS patients at three US pediatric MS centers. The survey captured attitudes toward marijuana, personal use habits, perceived benefits and harms, and access barriers.
What this study cannot tell us
The sample was small (52 patients) and drawn from three specialty centers, limiting generalizability. The survey relied on self-report and may underestimate use. No cognitive testing was performed to verify the self-perceived memory effects. The study did not compare outcomes between users and non-users.
How to read the evidence
This is a small cross-sectional survey from three centers, providing preliminary evidence of marijuana use patterns in pediatric MS.
When this study was published
Published in 2018. Research on cannabis and pediatric MS is still limited.
The bigger picture
This study highlights a gap in care for young MS patients. While adult MS patients increasingly use medical cannabis, the risk-benefit calculation is different for adolescents whose brains are still developing and already under assault from MS. Clinicians treating pediatric MS need to proactively address marijuana use with their patients.
Questions still open
- Does marijuana use actually worsen cognitive outcomes in pediatric MS patients beyond what MS alone causes? Are young MS patients self-medicating for symptoms that could be better addressed by MS treatments? Should pediatric MS clinics routinely screen for and counsel about marijuana use?
Common questions
Do young MS patients use marijuana?
Does marijuana help with MS symptoms?
Read the original research
Attitudes, perceptions, and use of marijuana in youth with multiple sclerosis.
Journal of neurology, 265(2), 417-423
Citation
Brenton, J Nicholas; Schreiner, Teri; Karoscik, Krystle; Richter, Meg; Ferrante, Samantha; Waldman, Amy; Banwell, Brenda. (2018). Attitudes, perceptions, and use of marijuana in youth with multiple sclerosis.. Journal of neurology, 265(2), 417-423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-017-8715-5
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