Cannabis bliss?

Abstract

The effectiveness of cannabis use in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms has been mixed. On the one hand, it has been shown to be effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms1 as well as pain2 in these patients. In addition, significant numbers of patients with MS support the use of cannabis for symptom management.3,4 In contrast, other research has shown that cannabis use does not positively impact symptoms of spasticity.5 Two common MS sequelae for which the impact of cannabis use has not been systematically examined are cognitive and psychiatric problems. Such exploration is especially important given the known psychoactive properties of cannabis and its possible effect on cognition. In this issue of Neurology ®, Ghaffar and Feinstein6 report their evaluation of the cognitive and psychiatric consequences of cannabis use in patients with MS. The study presents interesting findings that make an important contribution to the MS literature. Specifically, the authors compared 10 patients with MS who reported smoking cannabis regularly (at least once per month) to …