Cannabis-based product use in a multiple sclerosis cohort

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the use of cannabis-based products (CBPs) by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who attend the University of British Columbia Hospital (UBCH) MS clinic.

Methods: All patients attending the UBCH MS clinic from January to March 2018 were invited to participate in an anonymous survey that included: patient demographics (sex, age and employment status), self-reported MS-specific data (subtype, disease duration, previous and current disease modifying therapies, symptomatic medications) and CBP use (formulation, frequency, perceived benefits/side-effects). A second cohort of retrospective patient data (CBP use, sex, age, disease subtype and Expanded Disability Status Scale) was extracted from the UBCH MS clinic electronic medical record (EMR).

Results: Of 600 surveys distributed, 188 were returned with completed CBP usage. CBP use was daily for 19% (n = 37), weekly for 6% (n = 11), monthly for 4% (n = 7), rarely for 21% (n = 39) and 50% (n = 94) never used. Of the CBP users (daily, weekly and monthly), CBP use included: oral (n = 43/55), smoked/vaporized (n = 42/55), topical (n = 14/55) and mucosal (n = 5/55). EMR data was available for 561 MS patients where cannabis use/non-use was documented. CBP users represented 19% (107/561).

Conclusions: CBP use is common based on volunteer reporting, with approximately one out of four patients who attend the UBCH MS clinic using CBPs.