INDIANAPOLIS – Although an estimated 10%-20% of multiple sclerosis patients currently smoke cannabis for pain control or to alleviate symptoms, new research from Canada suggests that smoking the drug can worsen cognitive function in some patients with the disease.
“We already know that 40%-70% of people with MS already have cognitive problems,” Dr. Anthony Feinstein, professor of psychiatrist at the University of Toronto, said in a video interview at the annual meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. “Some of the research that I’ve done shows that, in the presence of cannabis, these rates go up.”
Even so, he emphasized that patients should weigh such side effects against the benefits of use.
“I think it’s going to be an individual decision,” he said. “If it’s helping with pain, that’s good. Our data needs to be replicated by other groups.”
Dr. Feinstein disclosed that his work on MS and cannabis is funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
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