Medical Marijuana: Study Finds It Can Help With Pain

[Jim]

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/473/study_finds_medical_marijuana_can_help_with_pain


A study by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco led by Dr. Donald Abrams has found that marijuana provides significant relief to people suffering from neuropathic pain. The study was the first of its kind in the United States for nearly 20 years, and provides new ammunition for proponents of medical marijuana as they seek action from Congress on the issue.


Up to four million US residents suffer from neuropathic pain, including many HIV/AIDS patients. According to the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), as many as 37% of HIV/AIDS patients already use marijuana to treat neuropathic pain and other symptoms of the disease.


"This study validates the experience people living with HIV/AIDS and their doctors have reported for years -- medical cannabis provides much-needed relief from pain and suffering." said NAPWA Executive Director Frank Oldham Jr. "That is why we are joining Americans for Safe Access to call on Congress to address cannabis for its medicinal value."



Truth Is Truth.

[David Berg]

I wonder how on earth they got approval from the FDA and DEA to do this research?

[GoTWHeeLs]

Do any other countries allow this?

[mike]

GW pharmaceuticals in the UK have developed a spray that is licensed for use in both the UK and Canada. The treatment is for neuropathic pain for MS patients. Please check website for information. http://www.gwpharm.com/sativex.asp

[Chaz19]

GW pharmaceuticals in the UK have developed a spray that is licensed for use in both the UK and Canada. The treatment is for neuropathic pain for MS patients. Please check website for information. http://www.gwpharm.com/sativex.asp

I read somewhere that there will be a clinical trial this year in the US for Sativex..... I don't have a link though.

[Chaz19]

Phase III Sativex® Data Published in Leading Neurology Journal

28/02/2007

Data demonstrate that Sativex provides relief of spasticity for patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Porton Down, UK, 28 February 2007: A leading neurology journal, The European Journal of Neurology, today reports a study showing that Sativex significantly reduces intractable spasticity (spasms and stiffness) in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The publication of these data follows the previous announcement of preliminary results of this 189 patient study, which forms part of the regulatory filing for Sativex for MS spasticity submitted in September 2006 in selected European countries.

In the randomised, double-blind trial, led by Professor Christine Collin from the Royal Berkshire and Battle NHS Trust, Reading, UK, Sativex demonstrated significant superiority to placebo in reducing spasticity (p<0.05) in people with MS1. Further, despite having achieved the maximum benefit on existing anti-spasticity medication, four out of every ten of patients achieved more than a 30% further improvement in their spasticity following treatment with Sativex.
http://www.gwpharm.com/news_press_releases.asp?id=/gwp/pressreleases/currentpress/2007-02-28/

and United States clinical trial info

http://www.dpna.org/1sativex.htm

( they must have some results soon??)

[alan]

But can Sativex be gotten in the states?

[Chaz19]

I'm not sure... but it be great if it helped with pain. According to their website

On 14 February 2007, GW signed an exclusive license and development agreement to develop and market Sativex® in the United States with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The companies are also in detailed discussions with a view to entering into a cannabinoid research collaboration in the field of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and cancer treatment in order to research, develop and commercialize a range of other early stage cannabinoid product opportunities.

http://www.gwpharm.com/

so... maybe within a year or two??