Nearly Two-Thirds of Canadian MS Patients Have Tried Medical Cannabis | Research

The takeaway

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%).

Neurologists treating MS; MS patients considering cannabis; healthcare system planners.

74% of MS cannabis users learned about it from non-healthcare sources

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: substantial survey with validated outcome measures, though self-selected and cross-sectional.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

Medical cannabis use in Canadians with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 59, 103638

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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