Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

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Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms 

Michelle Cameron, MD, PT, MCR and Jessica Rice, MR 

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Professionals/Cannabis-and-Multiple-Sclerosis.pdf

Key Points: 

• People with MS experience symptoms that may not be adequately controlled with FDAapproved medications. Some people with MS have tried cannabis products to relieve these symptoms. 

• Although cannabis has been legalized for recreational and/or medical use in a growing number of states, its use remains prohibited by federal laws. The legal status of cannabis is in flux. 

• Despite its use by humans for thousands of years, the scientific study of cannabis and its components is still in its infancy. High-quality research in the United States remains limited. 

• Based on existing evidence, cannabis products are probably effective for treating patientreported symptoms of spasticity and pain. 

• Based on existing evidence, cannabis is probably not effective for MS-related tremor or urinary incontinence. 

• People with MS should be aware of potential adverse effects of cannabis products, including new or worsening cognitive symptoms, psychosis, tolerance and dependence, as well as drugdrug interactions. 

• The use of cannabis to treat MS symptoms remains controversial. Patients are encouraged to discuss these issues with their health care providers. 

Introduction 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS involves an abnormal response of the body’s immune system, which is directed against the person’s own CNS. The immune system targets myelin, a substance that surrounds and insulates nerves. Damaged myelin then forms scars (sclerosis), giving the disease its name, and these scars are thought to be responsible for most of the wide ranging symptoms that people with MS experience. 

Various FDA-approved medications can help reduce the frequency of MS relapses, slow progression of disability from MS, and relieve symptoms of MS, but none of these medications are completely effective. Many people continue to experience relapses, progression, and symptoms from their MS. 

It is now becoming more common for some people to use cannabis (marijuana) to try to alleviate their MS symptoms. A survey of people with MS published in 2017 found that 47% of respondents have considered using cannabis to treat their MS symptoms, 26% have used cannabis for their MS symptoms, 20% have spoken with their physician about using cannabis, and 16% are currently using cannabis. 

[1] Although people have used cannabis for thousands of years, systematic study of the compounds in cannabis as therapeutic treatment has only occurred in about the last 20 years. 

This paper 

[link: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Professionals/Cannabis-and-Multiple-Sclerosis.pdf] 

provides an overview of the use of cannabis for treating symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis. Although some very preliminary research suggests that cannabis may also affect the immune system and thus impact the immune attacks of MS, this research is not discussed in this paper.