Among 281 MS patients in Argentina, 34.2% were current cannabis users, but 54.3% had never discussed cannabis with their neurologist. Younger age, chronic pain, and alcohol use predicted cannabis use.
MS patients considering cannabis, neurologists treating MS, healthcare communication researchers
54.3% of cannabis-using MS patients never discussed it with their neurologist
What the researchers found
34.2% were current cannabis users, 22.7% former users. Among users, 31.3% used daily, 41.9% started after MS diagnosis, and 54.3% never discussed cannabis with their neurologist. Predictors of use were age under 30 (OR=2.39), chronic pain (OR=2.42), and current alcohol intake (OR=3.33).
Why it matters
The high prevalence of cannabis use among MS patients combined with low rates of physician discussion creates a dangerous information gap where patients may be making uninformed decisions about a substance that could interact with their MS treatments.
The numbers in context
281 patients; 34.2% current users; 22.7% former users; 31.3% daily use; 41.9% started post-diagnosis; 54.3% never discussed with neurologist; 47.5% recreational use
How the study worked
Cross-sectional online survey of 281 MS patients from Argentina, assessing demographics, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety/depression, sleep, disability, and cannabis use patterns.
What this study cannot tell us
Online survey with potential selection bias, self-reported cannabis use and disability, cross-sectional design, Argentina-specific context where cannabis legality is evolving.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional online survey from a single country with self-reported measures
When this study was published
Published in 2021 from Argentina, where medical cannabis regulations continue to evolve.
The bigger picture
This pattern of widespread cannabis use without physician involvement is seen across many chronic conditions and countries, suggesting a systemic failure in patient-provider communication about cannabis.
Questions still open
- Why do most MS patients not discuss cannabis with their neurologist? Would provider-initiated conversations change use patterns? Are MS patients who use cannabis achieving better or worse disease outcomes?
Common questions
How common is cannabis use among MS patients?
Do MS patients talk to their doctors about cannabis?
Read the original research
Use of cannabis in patients with multiple sclerosis from Argentina.
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 51, 102932
Citation
Carnero Contentti, Edgar; López, Pablo A; Criniti, Juan; Pettinicchi, Juan Pablo; Tavolini, Dario; Mainella, Carolina; Tizio, Santiago; Tkachuk, Verónica; Silva, Berenice; Caride, Alejandro; Rojas, Juan I; Alonso, Ricardo. (2021). Use of cannabis in patients with multiple sclerosis from Argentina.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 51, 102932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2021.102932
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