Recreational and Medicinal Cannabis Impact Assessment on Symptoms, Mental and Cognitive Functions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Short Review of the Literature

Chatzintounas T.^1*, Chatzidimitriou M.¹, Chatzintounas A.², Kyriazidi M. A.², Mavridou M.¹ & Kavvada A.²

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
²School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr. Chatzintounas T., Department of Biomedical Sciences, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Keywords: Medical Marijuana; Medicinal Cannabis; Multiple Sclerosis; Dementia; Cognitive Dysfunction

Abstract

Nowadays there has been renewed interest in the therapeutic applications of medicinal cannabis, and people, particularly those with multiple sclerosis (MS), claim that it may have beneficial effects in their symptoms control. There is evidence (although inconsistent) supporting the use of cannabis or its derivatives for their therapeutic potential in treating MS symptoms. It is mentioned that, the use of medicinal cannabis can relieve patient-reported symptoms of spasticity, bladder disorders and pain (excluding central neuropathic pain). Currently available studies demonstrate no proof of a beneficial effect of cannabinoids on MS disease activity or disability progression. Also there was no obvious improvement in cerebellar disease, tremor or spasticity measured by tests administered by physicians. Additionally, it is not yet clear if medicinal cannabis has immunosuppressant or neuroprotective properties in MS and its safety needs to be re-evaluated, regarding the subsequent cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms, which were found more often in users than nonusers patients with MS.

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