Cannabis use among patients with MS and spasticity

Key clinical point: A significant proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spasticity from Oregon, US reported cannabis use and found it beneficial for their pain and spasticity.

Major finding: Among the patients assessed, 54% reported using cannabis in the past and 36% reported current use of cannabis. For the treatment of spasticity, 26% of patients used both prescribed medications and cannabis. Among current users, 85% and 79% of patients reported cannabis being somewhat to very helpful for pain and spasticity, respectively.

Study details: A cross-sectional study evaluated the cannabis use and its perceived benefits among patients with MS and self-reported spasticity (n = 91) who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial for MS-related spasticity in Oregon, US.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the VA Office of Research and Development via Rehabilitation Research and Development. Dr. Rice reported consulting for Greenwich Biosciences. Dr. Cameron reported consulting for Adamas Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Greenwich Biosciences. Ms. Hugos and Ms. Hildebrand declared no conflict of interest.

Citation: Rice J et al. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020 Feb 11. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102009.

Key clinical point: A significant proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spasticity from Oregon, US reported cannabis use and found it beneficial for their pain and spasticity.

Major finding: Among the patients assessed, 54% reported using cannabis in the past and 36% reported current use of cannabis. For the treatment of spasticity, 26% of patients used both prescribed medications and cannabis. Among current users, 85% and 79% of patients reported cannabis being somewhat to very helpful for pain and spasticity, respectively.

Study details: A cross-sectional study evaluated the cannabis use and its perceived benefits among patients with MS and self-reported spasticity (n = 91) who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial for MS-related spasticity in Oregon, US.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the VA Office of Research and Development via Rehabilitation Research and Development. Dr. Rice reported consulting for Greenwich Biosciences. Dr. Cameron reported consulting for Adamas Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Greenwich Biosciences. Ms. Hugos and Ms. Hildebrand declared no conflict of interest.

Citation: Rice J et al. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020 Feb 11. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102009.

Key clinical point: A significant proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spasticity from Oregon, US reported cannabis use and found it beneficial for their pain and spasticity.

Major finding: Among the patients assessed, 54% reported using cannabis in the past and 36% reported current use of cannabis. For the treatment of spasticity, 26% of patients used both prescribed medications and cannabis. Among current users, 85% and 79% of patients reported cannabis being somewhat to very helpful for pain and spasticity, respectively.

Study details: A cross-sectional study evaluated the cannabis use and its perceived benefits among patients with MS and self-reported spasticity (n = 91) who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial for MS-related spasticity in Oregon, US.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the VA Office of Research and Development via Rehabilitation Research and Development. Dr. Rice reported consulting for Greenwich Biosciences. Dr. Cameron reported consulting for Adamas Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Greenwich Biosciences. Ms. Hugos and Ms. Hildebrand declared no conflict of interest.

Citation: Rice J et al. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020 Feb 11. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102009.