About This Project

Improved therapies are needed for symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis such as fatigue, spasticity, and walking impairments. In most cases, currently available disease modifying and symptomatic therapies do not sufficiently relieve these symptoms. Almost 50% of patients with MS are using successful cannabis based on anecdotal reports. However, strong scientific evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis is needed. Here in Colorado, we are able to conduct cannabis research studies in MS.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Improved therapies are needed for the distressing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS symptoms include fatigue, spasticity, and walking impairments. Currently available disease modifying and symptomatic therapies do not sufficiently relieve these symptoms. Many people with MS successfully use cannabis for symptom treatment. There is evidence, based on the National Institute of Health, that cannabis reduces spasticity and pain. However, more scientific research for the effectiveness of cannabis is required. Our study could not be carried out in a state where marijuana is not legal, so not only does Colorado make for the ideal location for research purposes in that sense, but Colorado also has one of the highest rates of people living with the disease in the entire nation.

What is the significance of this project?

This first study will investigate the effects of cannabis on motor function in patients with MS. The Positron Emission Tomography can serve as a unique tool to examine the Central Nervous System-muscle interaction at a whole body level.

Improving our knowledge of the influence of cannabis on motor function in patients with MS may help clinicians and patients make an informed decision on whether to recommend or use cannabis for symptom management in MS.

What are the goals of the project?

To accomplish our objective we will start by recruiting at least 5 people with MS, who currently use cannabis. They will be compared to people who are cannabis naïve. We will compare their results from a battery of motor tasks (walking tests, fatigue task, strength tests, postural control tests). We will also use Positron Emission Tomography (PET) / Computed Tomography (CT) to examine how the central nervous system and skeletal muscle activity in patients is affected during fatiguing motor tasks with chronic cannabis use. We expect that cannabis users will have improved motor function, more efficient muscle activation strategies during a fatigue task linked to CNS activity, and a higher quality of life. The project will be the foundation for larger, future studies.