Medical Marijuana Utilization and Perceived Therapeutic Value in Patients with ALS (P3.014)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate utilization and effectiveness of medical marijuana among a population of ALS patients, some of whom have legal access to marijuana and some of whom do not. BACKGROUND: Cannabis has immunomodulatory properties and effects upon excitotoxicity that suggest that it might have a disease-modifying role in ALS. There have also been some anecdotal reports suggesting that marijuana may be effective in alleviating certain ALS symptoms. Patients at the Penn ALS Center have been expressing increasing interest in learning about marijuana’s potential utility in managing their symptoms and their disease. DESIGN/METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey of all ALS patients attending the Penn ALS Center from June 2013 to the present. Each patient was given a copy of the survey alone in their exam room. To preserve anonymity, patients were instructed not to include any identifiable information. The survey consisted of three yes/no questions and two Likert scale questions. RESULTS: The survey was given to 127 patients and 102 were completed (93% response rate). In total, 21% reported current or prior use of medical marijuana to treat their ALS symptoms. Of that 21%, large majorities considered it very effective in providing appetite stimulation (75%), aiding sleep (65%), relieving anxiety (80%), relieving depression (70%), and providing muscle relaxation (60%). 33% of the surveyed patients live in a state in which medical marijuana is legally available and, of that group, 18% have availed themselves of marijuana. Of the 66% without legal access, 81% reported interest in trying medical marijuana were it to be legalized. CONCLUSIONS: Those of our patients currently using marijuana report a very significant treatment effect on many ALS symptoms. Given the high degree of patient interest and reported therapeutic value, ALS clinicians should become better educated about the potential utility of marijuana in ALS symptom management.

Disclosure: Dr. Kaufman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Almasy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dahodwala has received research support from Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Elman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kelley has nothing to disclose. Dr. McCluskey has nothing to disclose.