Cannabis Use Disorder in MS Patients Is Common but Treatment Options Are Nearly Nonexistent
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Over 50% of MS patients use cannabis; up to 20% at risk for use disorder
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary evidence from a pilot study focused on demonstrating need and feasibility rather than treatment outcomes.
- Study Age:
- 2025 nationwide pilot study on cannabis use disorder in multiple sclerosis.
- Original Title:
- The unmet need for cannabis use disorder treatment in multiple sclerosis: Insights from a nationwide pilot study.
- Published In:
- Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 98, 106443 (2025)
- Authors:
- Pilloni, Giuseppina(2), Pehel, Shayna(2), Ko, Timothy(2), Kreisberg, Erica, Sammarco, Carrie, Charlson, R Erik, Charvet, Leigh
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07372
Evidence Hierarchy
A small preliminary study to test whether a larger study is feasible.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis use disorder common in MS patients?
More than half of MS patients use cannabis, and up to 20% may develop cannabis use disorder. While some patients report benefits for pain, sleep, and mood, long-term use has been associated with worse cognitive function and quality of life.
Why is treatment for cannabis use disorder in MS lacking?
MS patients with cannabis use disorder fall between neurology and addiction medicine, with neither specialty typically addressing both conditions. This pilot study documented significant demand for integrated, accessible treatment, highlighting an urgent gap in care.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07372APA
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
MLA
Pilloni, Giuseppina, et al. "The unmet need for cannabis use disorder treatment in multiple sclerosis: Insights from a nationwide pilot study.." Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2025.106443
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The unmet need for cannabis use disorder treatment in multip..." RTHC-07372. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/pilloni-2025-the-unmet-need-for
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.