Cannabis Use as Described by People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a recurrent inflammation of the central nervous system white matter leading to myelin destruction and progressive neurological impairment.1 T h e prevalence of MS in Alberta has been described as high with an overall crude rate of 217 per 100,000 population. 2 The available treatments for symptom management are of limited effectiveness and for many, have unpleasant side effects. 3Interest in cannabis as a therapeutic option for people with MS has coincided with the increasing acceptance of a wide variety of herbal and natural remedies. Most such substances lack medical endorsement due to a lack of empirical evidence for their efficacy and safety. 4 The acceptance of cannabis as a therapeutic agent has been further hampered by its status as an illicit substance. (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults. T h e prevalence of MS in Alberta has been described as among the highest reported in the world, estimated at 217 per 100,000. Numerous anecdotal reports, and a few small empirical investigations have suggested that cannabis use may relieve the symptom experience of those with MS. The present study was undertaken to describe cannabis use by this patient group. Information on peoples'beliefs, practices and experiences related to use were investigated. M e t h o d s : Aquestionnaire was mailed to a sample of 780 adults with MS in southern A l b e r t a , Canada. R e s u l t s : Completed questionnaires were returned by 420/673 eligible subjects (response rate 62%). Mean sample age was 48 years and 75% were women. Respondents ranged from mildly to severely impaired. The majority of respondents (96%) was aware cannabis was potentially therapeutically useful for MS and most (72%) supported legalization for medicinal purposes. Forty-three percent had tried cannabis at some point in their lives, 16% for medicinal purposes. Symptoms reported to be ameliorated included anxiety/depression, spasticity and chronic pain. Reasons given for not trying cannabis were the fact that it is an illegal substance, concern about side effects and lack of knowledge on how to obtain it. C o n c l u s i o n s : S u b j e c t i v e improvements in symptom experience were reported by the majority of people with MS who currently use cannabis. Further evaluation of this substance is warranted.RÉSUMÉ: Utilisation du Cannabis par les patients atteints de sclérose en plaques. Introduction: La sclérose en plaques (SEP) est l'une des maladies neurologiques les plus fréquentes chez les jeunes adultes. La prévalence de la SEPen Alberta, estimée à 217 par 100 000, a été décrite comme l'une des plus élevées rapportées dans le monde. Plusieurs rapports anecdotiques et quelques études empiriques de petite taille ont suggéré que le l'utilisation de cannabis soulage les symptômes des patients atteints de SEP. Cette étude a été entreprise dans le but de décrire l'utilisation du cannabis chez ces patients. Nous avons évalué l'information sur les croyances, les pratiques et les expériences reliées à...

Cannabis use in Spanish patients with multiple sclerosis: Fulfilment of patients' expectations?

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