Half of Danish MS patients have used cannabis, mostly illegally, reporting high efficacy for pain and spasticity

49% had tried cannabis, 21% were current users, and only 21% of current users had prescribed cannabis. Recreational/illegal use was reported by 17%. Primary use reasons: pain relief (61%), spasticity (52%), sleep disturbances (46%). Most common adverse effects: drowsiness (30%), feeling subdued (23%), dizziness (13%). 44% of non-users would consider cannabis if legalized.

Anonymous questionnaire sent to all 3,606 patients at the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center (62% response rate, 2,009 valid responses), covering sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and cannabis use patterns.

This is the most comprehensive MS cannabis use survey published. The gap between patient demand (49% have tried, 44% of non-users would consider) and prescription access (only 21% of users have prescriptions) reveals a massive unmet need being filled by illegal channels.

When patients report high efficacy and mild side effects but mostly use illegally, the regulatory system is failing them. This pattern is likely replicated across many countries where medical cannabis access is restricted while patient need is high.

Self-reported efficacy without objective measures or placebo comparison. 38% non-response rate may introduce bias. Danish regulatory environment specific. Survey cannot establish whether cannabis is genuinely effective or reflects placebo/expectancy effects.