Nearly Two-Thirds of Canadian MS Patients Have Tried Medical Cannabis
Among 344 Canadians with multiple sclerosis, 65% had tried medical cannabis at least once, with those having more severe disease more likely to try it. The most common uses were sleep problems (84%), pain (80%), and spasticity (68%).
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
64.5% had tried medical cannabis, 52.3% were currently using it. More severe/progressive MS predicted cannabis use. Top uses: sleep (84.2%), pain (80.0%), spasticity (68.4%). Top side effects: drowsiness (57.2%), feeling subdued (48.8%), difficulty concentrating (28.4%). 76.1% obtained from legal sources. 74% learned about cannabis from non-healthcare providers.
Key Numbers
344 respondents. Ever tried cannabis: 64.5% (215/344). Current users: 52.3% (180/344). Uses: sleep 84.2%, pain 80.0%, spasticity 68.4%. Side effects: drowsiness 57.2%, feeling subdued 48.8%, concentration difficulty 28.4%. Legal source: 76.1%. Non-healthcare info source: 74%.
How They Did This
Anonymous questionnaire distributed to 344 Canadians with MS through various channels. Included questions on MS characteristics, quality of life (PDDS, MSQOL-54), and medical cannabis use patterns.
Why This Research Matters
This is the first comprehensive Canadian survey of MS cannabis use since recreational legalization. The finding that 74% learn about cannabis outside the healthcare system suggests a major information gap that clinicians need to address.
The Bigger Picture
MS patients have been early adopters of medical cannabis, particularly for spasticity (where nabiximols is approved in many countries). The very high usage rates and reliance on non-medical information sources suggest cannabis has become a de facto standard of care in the MS community, whether or not clinicians are involved.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-selected survey respondents may overrepresent cannabis users. Cross-sectional design cannot assess whether cannabis objectively improved MS symptoms. No medical record verification. The 344-person sample may not represent all Canadian MS patients.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why are 74% of MS patients learning about cannabis from non-medical sources?
- ?Would clinician-led cannabis conversations improve outcomes and reduce adverse effects?
- ?Does cannabis use reduce the need for other MS medications?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 74% of MS cannabis users learned about it from non-healthcare sources
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: substantial survey with validated outcome measures, though self-selected and cross-sectional.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Medical cannabis use in Canadians with multiple sclerosis.
- Published In:
- Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 59, 103638 (2022)
- Authors:
- Santarossa, Talia M, So, Randy, Smyth, Dr Penelope, Gustavsen, Dr Stefan, Tsuyuki, Dr Ross T
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04196
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How many MS patients use cannabis?
In this Canadian survey, nearly two-thirds (64.5%) had tried medical cannabis at least once, and just over half (52.3%) were currently using it. Those with more severe disease were more likely to have tried it.
What do MS patients use cannabis for?
Sleep problems (84%), pain (80%), and spasticity (68%) were the most common reasons. These align with MS symptoms that are often difficult to manage with conventional medications.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04196APA
Santarossa, Talia M; So, Randy; Smyth, Dr Penelope; Gustavsen, Dr Stefan; Tsuyuki, Dr Ross T. (2022). Medical cannabis use in Canadians with multiple sclerosis.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 59, 103638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.103638
MLA
Santarossa, Talia M, et al. "Medical cannabis use in Canadians with multiple sclerosis.." Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2022.103638
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Medical cannabis use in Canadians with multiple sclerosis." RTHC-04196. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/santarossa-2022-medical-cannabis-use-in
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.