Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Investing $1.5M for Cannabis Research

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is investing $1.5 million in funding to the nation’s Institutes of Health Research for research into the use of cannabis to manage MS symptoms and its effect on the condition, the organization announced on Sunday.

The investment will span five years and will consider applications for basic science, clinical, health services, and policy research.

“The MS Society is pleased to invest in this first-of-its-kind funding opportunity in Canadian MS research. As an organization, we have a mandate to provide information that is rooted in evidence. Cannabis is still a relatively unknown substance from the perspective of evidence-based research, so investing in research on cannabis use is an important first step for determining its applicability and efficacy towards managing MS.” – Dr. Pamela Valentine, president and CEO of the MS Society of Canada, in a statement

The announcement is part of an Integrated Cannabis Research Strategy involving six agencies, including: the Institute of Cancer Research; Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health; Institute of Human Development Child and Youth Health; Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health; Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis; and the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Addiction.

Along with the MS Society, the Arthritis Society, Canadian Cancer Society, and Mental Health Commission of Canada are collaborating with the Institutes of Health Research on the cannabis research project.

The agency is accepting letters of intent for research programs until May 15.