Date of Conferral

1-9-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Anne Hacker

Abstract

Medical cannabis may alleviate symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet access to cannabis-based treatment (CBT) remains inconsistent across U.S. states. The research problem was that state policy variation and administrative implementation produce inequitable access and clinical uncertainty for individuals with MS and for clinicians and policymakers responsible for compliant care decisions. Existing literature on cannabis for MS primarily addresses symptom relief, including spasticity reduction, pain relief, and improved sleep quality; however, access policies vary by state. The purpose of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize evidence on policy and administrative barriers shaping access to medical cannabis for MS by comparing Kansas (CBT prohibition) and Colorado (CBT legal). Interest group theory guided the analysis of stakeholder influence and regulatory environments that shape physician engagement and access conditions. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedures, 17 sources, including scholarly articles and legislative testimony published between 2015 and 2025, were identified, screened, and thematically analyzed. Six themes emerged linking legal context, knowledge gaps, professional division, education, documentation/communication, and policy learning/standards to MS-specific access. Findings reflected legislative and administrative ambiguity and interest-group pressures shaping clinical decision-making related to CBT for MS and other conditions. Implications for positive social change include strengthening policy advocacy and clinician education in jurisdictions where CBT remains illegal for MS symptoms to reduce disparities and support equitable MS care.

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