Study: More than one in five French ALS patients claim to use cannabinoid-based products

Approximately 22% of French patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or Charcot’s disease) report using cannabis or CBD oil to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, according to data from a national survey published in the journal Neurology.

Survey participants reported that cannabinoids improved their motor skills, reduced pain, and enhanced their mood and overall quality of life. The side effects reported were mild (drowsiness, dry mouth, etc.) and attributed to the typical effects of cannabinoids.

«To our knowledge, this is the first study to present a large-scale questionnaire-based survey on the «actual» situation regarding the medical use of cannabis among ALS patients in France,» the authors stated of the study.

«Our data show that a significant proportion of patients with ALS use cannabis to relieve the symptoms of the disease. … This study highlights the need for further research into the potential benefits of cannabis use for managing the motor and non-motor symptoms of ALS.».

Preclinical models suggest that cannabinoids may slow the progression of ALS and alleviate some of its symptoms. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial is currently currently underway in Australia to determine whether cannabis extracts can slow the progression of ALS.

ALS affects approximately 7,000 people in France. The disease is not included in France’s medical cannabis pilot program.