FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about CANNABIS provided BY The National MS Society

The Society supports the rights of people with MS to work with their MS health care providers to access marijuana for medical purposes in accordance with legal regulations in those states where such use has been approved. In addition, the Society supports advancing research to better understand the benefits and potential risks of marijuana and its derivatives as a treatment for MS.

There is significant, unmet need for therapies that can address complex and painful symptoms often experienced by people with MS.  An increasing number of studies suggest that derivatives of marijuana such as oral cannabis extract, sprays and pills may lessen patient reported MS symptoms like spasticity, pain related to spasticity, and frequent urination.

Current research is unable to fully determine whether smoked marijuana is safe or helpful for treating MS symptoms. Additional research is needed and should be initiated to better determine the possible role smoked marijuana or marijuana derivatives could have in treating MS symptoms and helping people with MS to live their best lives.

Some people with MS have reported that smoking marijuana can help alleviate their MS symptoms. Research suggests that cannabinoids (marijuana derivatives) have potential for the management of MS symptoms such as pain and spasticity, and even protecting the nervous system, though further research is required to determine what that potential might be.  However, based on studies to date, the benefits of smoked marijuana as a treatment for symptoms associated with MS still remains unclear.

As with any therapy, along with potential benefits come potential side effects.  Cannabis-related therapies can cause various side effects including: difficulty with attention or concentration, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of balance, and problems with thinking and memory.  Each individual, in consultation with their health care provider, should make an informed risk-benefit decision regarding the use of marijuana and its derivatives.

While research continues, and since cannabis derivatives including oral cannabis extract, sprays and pills, are not yet approved in the U.S. for treating MS, the National MS Society supports the rights of people in the United States to work with their health care provider to access marijuana for medical purposes through designated state-monitored dispensaries in states where such use has been legalized. The American Academy of Neurology has completed and published an extensive review of existing research looking at the effects of marijuana for medical use in MS symptom management (.pdf), as well as many other complementary and alternative therapies.  This guideline is an important step forward in assisting both the public and professional community in better understanding what is currently known about complementary and alternative therapies and what research is still required to better evaluate their impact in addressing MS symptoms.

The Society is supporting a clinical trial of different forms of cannabis products to test their ability to relieve spasticity in people with MS.  Unfortunately, completion of this trial has been delayed due to challenges with recruiting patients able to adhere to the significant government requirements for trials using cannabis products.

The Society is committed to funding additional research with cannabis products and to addressing government regulations that may be impeding research progress.