MS patients who use cannabis for symptoms face stigma that prevents open conversations with nurses

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.

Literature review of qualitative and quantitative research on MS patients who use cannabis, with focus on UK community nursing context.

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 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.

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.