Sequoiacrone
May 20th, 2009, 11:12 PM
Cannabis Alleviates Symptoms and Slows MS
New clinical trial data and a review of existing studies have independently concluded that cannabinoids can both alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and slow the progression of the disease.
The clinical trial data on the long-term administration of an oral spray consisting of natural cannabis extracts (Sativex), showed that it reduces spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.
The placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal study was conducted on 36 patients who had been using the oral cannabis spray for a mean of 3.6 years. Patients who ceased using the drug experienced significantly worse spasticity but showed no signs of withdrawal symptoms.
This study follows a similar one that showed the oral cannabis spray consistently reduced MS-associated neuropathic pain, and patients did not develop a tolerance or need to increase dosage to obtain relief.
In addition to symptomatic relief, cannabinoids appear to slow the progression of the disease. A review of cannabinoids and multiple sclerosis in Current Pharmaceutical Design concluded that the well-established anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids may help stave off "the neurodegenerative disease progression that ultimately leads to the accumulation of disability."
Surveys have found that roughly one quarter of patients with MS use cannabis for relief from neuropathic pain and muscle spasticity.
for more information...
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5730#23
New clinical trial data and a review of existing studies have independently concluded that cannabinoids can both alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and slow the progression of the disease.
The clinical trial data on the long-term administration of an oral spray consisting of natural cannabis extracts (Sativex), showed that it reduces spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.
The placebo-controlled randomized withdrawal study was conducted on 36 patients who had been using the oral cannabis spray for a mean of 3.6 years. Patients who ceased using the drug experienced significantly worse spasticity but showed no signs of withdrawal symptoms.
This study follows a similar one that showed the oral cannabis spray consistently reduced MS-associated neuropathic pain, and patients did not develop a tolerance or need to increase dosage to obtain relief.
In addition to symptomatic relief, cannabinoids appear to slow the progression of the disease. A review of cannabinoids and multiple sclerosis in Current Pharmaceutical Design concluded that the well-established anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids may help stave off "the neurodegenerative disease progression that ultimately leads to the accumulation of disability."
Surveys have found that roughly one quarter of patients with MS use cannabis for relief from neuropathic pain and muscle spasticity.
for more information...
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5730#23