Sex Differences in Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms in Frequent Cannabis Users with MS
In a study of 19 frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women), researchers found that women reported higher cannabis withdrawal scores than men at both baseline and after 28 days of abstinence. They experienced greater irritability, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. HADS scores, indicating anxiety and depression, were stable across genders.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Demonstrated in people
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
This research highlights potential differences in withdrawal symptoms by sex among cannabis users with MS, suggesting that women may require additional support during cannabis cessation.
What this does not prove
The study had a small sample size and focused only on frequent cannabis users in this specific population, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 19 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-07
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Nineteen frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women)
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceUnequal Burden: Sex Differences in Cannabis Withdrawal Symptom Severity in People With Multiple Sclerosis-A Short Report. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-116
Supporting passages (12)
study phaseNineteen frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women) completed 28 days of monitored abstinence.
study designThis study examined whether cannabis withdrawal trajectories differ by sex during monitored abstinence in people with MS.
subjectsNineteen frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women) completed 28 days of monitored abstinence.
sample sizeNineteen frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women) completed 28 days of monitored abstinence.
randomizedNineteen frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women) completed 28 days of monitored abstinence.
peer reviewedJournal: International journal of MS care
populationNineteen frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women) completed 28 days of monitored abstinence.
human efficacyCannabis cessation appears psychologically tolerable in people with MS, though women may require closer monitoring and targeted support during abstinence.
findingsRESULTS: At baseline (preabstinence), women reported higher CWQ scores than men. On day 28, women again showed higher scores. A significant time × sex interaction (Pillai trace = .784; P = .018; partial η² = .784) indicated distinct symptom trajectories across abstinence. Women reported greater irritability, sleep disturbance, physical tension, nausea, and headaches. HADS scores remained stable and within normal limits for both sexes.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-07
limitationsTitle: Unequal Burden: Sex Differences in Cannabis Withdrawal Symptom Severity in People With Multiple Sclerosis-A Short Report.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
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