MS patients in states with legal cannabis were 4.5 times more likely to use it for symptom relief
Among 548 MS patients across the US and Canada, cannabis use for symptoms was 4.5 times more likely in states with recreational legalization, more common in men and those with severe disease, and correlated with years since legalization.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis use for MS symptoms was significantly associated with recreational legality (OR 4.55), disease severity (severe vs. mild: OR 3.41), male gender (OR 2.33), and years since legalization (OR 1.06 per year). Users were 2.5 times more likely to know their local cannabis laws.
Key Numbers
548 respondents analyzed. Recreational vs. not legal: OR 4.55 (95% CI 1.70-12.14). Severe vs. mild disability: OR 3.41 (95% CI 1.23-9.46). Male vs. female: OR 2.33 (95% CI 1.10-4.94). Per year since legalization: OR 1.06.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey of 1,015 MS patients who attended an informational webinar on cannabis; 548 answered the key use question. Logistic regression analyzed associations with demographics, disease severity, and local cannabis legal status.
Why This Research Matters
The strong relationship between legal status and use suggests that cannabis laws directly influence medical cannabis uptake among MS patients, with implications for care as more jurisdictions legalize.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that Canadians were less likely to know their cannabis legal status than Americans suggests that even in fully legal jurisdictions, patient education about cannabis access remains important.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-selected webinar attendees may be more interested in cannabis than typical MS patients. Only 54% answered the key question. Cross-sectional design cannot show causation.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis use actually improve MS outcomes, or do patients in legal states simply have easier access?
- ?How does awareness of legality influence the decision to try cannabis?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 4.5x more likely to use cannabis in recreationally legal states
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: large survey with multivariate analysis, though self-selected sample and cross-sectional design.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2020 in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis use for symptom relief in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional survey of webinar attendees in the US and Canada.
- Published In:
- Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 38, 101516 (2020)
- Authors:
- Hildebrand, Andrea(2), Minnier, Jessica, Cameron, Michelle H
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02609
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why does legality matter so much?
Patients in states with recreational legalization were 4.5 times more likely to use cannabis for MS symptoms. This likely reflects both easier access and reduced stigma, though other factors associated with legalizing states may also contribute.
Does more severe MS lead to more cannabis use?
Yes. Patients with severe disability were 3.4 times more likely to use cannabis than those with mild disability, suggesting patients with greater symptom burden seek additional relief options.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02609APA
Hildebrand, Andrea; Minnier, Jessica; Cameron, Michelle H. (2020). Cannabis use for symptom relief in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional survey of webinar attendees in the US and Canada.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 38, 101516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2019.101516
MLA
Hildebrand, Andrea, et al. "Cannabis use for symptom relief in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional survey of webinar attendees in the US and Canada.." Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2019.101516
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis use for symptom relief in multiple sclerosis: A cro..." RTHC-02609. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/hildebrand-2020-cannabis-use-for-symptom
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.