A nationwide pilot study found strong demand for cannabis use disorder treatment among women with MS, highlighting that over half of MS patients use cannabis and up to 20% may develop use disorder.
MS patients using cannabis, neurologists, addiction treatment specialists working with MS populations
Over 50% of MS patients use cannabis; up to 20% at risk for use disorder
What the researchers found
More than half of individuals with MS use cannabis, with up to 20% at risk for cannabis use disorder. While some report symptom relief (pain, sleep, mood), long-term use has been associated with poorer cognitive and emotional functioning, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. The pilot study's recruitment revealed significant demand for accessible interventions, highlighting an urgent unmet need.
Why it matters
MS patients who use cannabis often fall into a treatment gap: their neurologists may not screen for problematic use, and addiction specialists may not understand MS-specific considerations. This pilot study documents the demand for integrated treatment approaches.
The numbers in context
Over 50% of MS patients use cannabis. Up to 20% at risk for CUD. Cannabis associated with poorer cognitive functioning, fatigue, and reduced quality of life in long-term MS users. Benefits reported for pain, sleep, and mood. Significant recruitment demand for the intervention.
How the study worked
Nationwide pilot study recruiting women with MS and cannabis use disorder for a remotely supervised home-based intervention. The study report focuses on recruitment insights, cannabis use patterns, and the demand for treatment.
What this study cannot tell us
Pilot study focused on recruitment insights rather than outcomes. Women only. Cannot determine causation for the associations between long-term cannabis use and poorer MS outcomes. Self-selected population may not represent all MS patients with CUD.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary evidence from a pilot study focused on demonstrating need and feasibility rather than treatment outcomes.
When this study was published
2025 nationwide pilot study on cannabis use disorder in multiple sclerosis.
The bigger picture
The intersection of MS and cannabis use is increasingly relevant as medical cannabis becomes more accessible. While some MS patients benefit from cannabis for specific symptoms, the risk of developing use disorder and the association with worse cognitive outcomes creates a complex clinical picture that current treatment infrastructure does not adequately address.
Questions still open
- How should neurologists screen for problematic cannabis use in MS patients? Would structured cannabis reduction programs improve cognitive outcomes in MS? Can medical cannabis be used therapeutically while preventing use disorder development?
Common questions
Is cannabis use disorder common in MS patients?
Why is treatment for cannabis use disorder in MS lacking?
Read the original research
The unmet need for cannabis use disorder treatment in multiple sclerosis: Insights from a nationwide pilot study.
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 98, 106443
Citation
Pilloni, Giuseppina; Pehel, Shayna; Ko, Timothy; Kreisberg, Erica; Sammarco, Carrie; Charlson, R Erik; Charvet, Leigh. (2025). The unmet need for cannabis use disorder treatment in multiple sclerosis: Insights from a nationwide pilot study.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 98, 106443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2025.106443
Explore the wider topic
- Physical vs Psychological Cannabis Dependence: What Science Actually Shows
- The Gap Between Cannabis Perception and Science: Why What We Believe Outpaces What We Know
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Am I Addicted? Self-Assessment Guide
- Cross-Addiction After Quitting Weed: When One Habit Replaces Another
- Is Weed Addictive? What the Research Actually Shows
- Is Cannabis Addictive? What the DSM-5 and Brain Science Say
- Quitting Weed and Alcohol Together: What to Know About Dual Cessation
- Is Rehab Necessary for Weed? An Honest Assessment
- Signs You May Have Cannabis Use Disorder: An Honest Self-Assessment
- Weed Vape Pen Addiction: Why Vaping Makes It Harder to Quit