LAUSR

Objective: To investigate the current spectrum of cannabis-based product use through a patient survey at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic. Background: Cannabis-based products (CBP) are used both recreationally and for symptomatic management in MS. Design/Methods: The study was approved by the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board. All patients attending the UBC MS clinic from January 2018 to March 2018 were invited to participate. The survey included: patient demographics (gender, 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). Results: Of 600 surveys distributed, 259 were returned and completed. Responders were 75% female, and the most common age range was 45–55 years. Those with a diagnosis other than MS were excluded (n=14). Fifty-seven respondents did not provide their level of CPB usage and were removed. CBP use was daily for 20% (n=37), weekly for 6% (n=11), monthly for 4% (n=7), rarely for 21% (n=40), and 49% never used (n=93). The CBP users (daily, weekly or monthly) represented 29% and were predominantly relapsing-remitting disease subtype (62%). CBP use included: oral (n=43, 78%), smoked/vaporized (n=42, 76%), topical (n=14,25%) and mucosal (n=5,9%). Reasons for initiation of CBP were: pain (n=39, 71%), sleep (n=39, 71%), mood (n=24, 44%), spasticity (n=22, 40%), tremor (n=11, 20%), bladder dysfunction (n=5, 9%), and other (n=8, 15%). Many of these individuals (35%) had not tried other symptomatic medications. Conclusions: 55 of the 188 survey respondents (29%) who attend the UBC MS clinic use CBP. Responder bias may cause overestimation of CBP use. The most frequent formulations were oral and smoked. Pain and sleep were the most common symptoms being treated and perception of CBP benefit was high. Disclosure: Dr. Schabas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vukojevic has nothing to disclose. Dr. Taylor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sayao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Devonshire has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with EMD Serono, Biogen-Idec, Teva Neurosciences, Novartis, Allergan, Genzyme, and UCB. Dr. Traboulsee has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Biogen Idec, Chugai, Hoffmann-La Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Novartis, Teva Innovation. Dr. Traboulsee has received research support from Biogen Idec, Chugai, Hoffmann-La Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, Novartis, Teva Innovation. Dr. Carruthers has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Roche, EMD Serono, Sanofi, Biogen, Novartis, and Teva. Dr. Carruthers has received research support from Teva Innovation Canada, Roche Canada.