A literature review found many MS patients use cannabis for symptom management but do not discuss it with healthcare professionals due to stigma and legal concerns, creating barriers to safe, person-centered care.
Community nurses, MS clinicians, and anyone interested in patient-provider cannabis communication barriers.
Stigma blocks disclosure
What the researchers found
A large proportion of people with MS use cannabis to self-manage symptoms or believe in its potential benefits. Qualitative research exploring their experiences is severely lacking worldwide and absent in UK nursing literature. Patients may not feel safe discussing cannabis use with health professionals, fearing judgment. This creates barriers to person-centered care relationships.
Why it matters
Community nurses are frontline caregivers who encounter MS patients using cannabis in their homes. Without open communication about cannabis use, nurses cannot provide safe, informed care or identify potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
The numbers in context
Large proportion of MS patients use or believe in cannabis benefits. Qualitative research on their experiences is lacking worldwide. Completely absent in UK nursing literature.
How the study worked
Literature review of qualitative and quantitative research on MS patients who use cannabis, with focus on UK community nursing context.
What this study cannot tell us
Brief review focused on UK nursing context. Does not include systematic search methodology. Limited qualitative evidence available to synthesize. Cannabis legal status varies significantly across jurisdictions.
How to read the evidence
Rated preliminary because the evidence base is limited and qualitative research on this topic is described as virtually absent.
When this study was published
Published in 2019.
The bigger picture
The stigma barrier between MS patients and their healthcare providers mirrors findings in cancer, senior, and chronic pain populations. Across multiple conditions, patients are using cannabis but not telling their clinical team, creating a systematic blind spot in healthcare.
Questions still open
- How can nurses create safe spaces for cannabis disclosure? Would explicit non-judgmental policies improve communication? What training do community nurses need regarding cannabis and MS?
Common questions
Do MS patients use cannabis?
Why don't patients tell their nurses?
Read the original research
Caring for people with multiple sclerosis who use cannabis for symptom control.
British journal of community nursing, 24(6), 257
Citation
Daly, Laura; Gibson, Caroline E; Dewing, Jan. (2019). Caring for people with multiple sclerosis who use cannabis for symptom control.. British journal of community nursing, 24(6), 257. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2019.24.6.265
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