Nearly 90% of MS patients using cannabis for bladder symptoms reported improvement

Of 734 respondents reporting cannabis use status, 275 (37.5%) used cannabis in the past 3 months, with 73.8% using at least weekly. Among 19 patients specifically using cannabis for bladder symptoms, 89.5% reported improvement. Cannabis use was associated with two-fold increased odds of reporting improvement in urinary frequency, urgency, bladder leakage and wetness, pad use, and bladder emptying. Top reasons for use: sleep (58.3%), pain (51.5%), relaxation (44.4%), muscle spasms (40.2%).

Cross-sectional survey of people with MS recruited from the MS Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 775 responded out of 2,899 contacted. Logistic regression assessed associations between cannabis use and bladder symptom improvement.

Bladder dysfunction affects up to 80% of MS patients and significantly impacts quality of life. While cannabis is commonly used by MS patients for other symptoms, its effects on bladder function have received little attention.

The endocannabinoid system has known roles in bladder function, providing biological plausibility for these findings. However, the self-reported nature of the data means placebo effects and selection bias cannot be ruled out.

Self-reported outcomes. Low response rate (26.7%) introduces selection bias. Cross-sectional design. No dose standardization. Those who found cannabis helpful may have been more likely to respond.