title: Patterns of cannabis use among patients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: To estimate the patterns and prevalence of cannabis use among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 220 patients were surveyed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Seventy-two subjects (36%) reported ever having used cannabis for any purpose; 29 respondents (14%) reported continuing use of cannabis for symptom treatment. Medical cannabis use was associated with male gender, tobacco use, and recreational cannabis use. The symptoms reported by medical cannabis users to be most effectively relieved were stress, sleep, mood, stiffness/spasm, and pain.
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ware
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yazer
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Lynch
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations