Nearly half of young multiple sclerosis patients used marijuana, most for symptom relief despite recognizing memory effects

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.

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.

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.

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.