Study confirms that cannabis is beneficial for multiple sclerosis

[n2doc]

Science Centric | 4 December 2009 08:32 GMT

Cannabis can reduce spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. A systematic review, published in the open access journal BMC Neurology, found that five out six randomised controlled trials reported a reduction in spasticity and an improvement in mobility.

Shaheen Lakhan and Marie Rowland from the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation, Los Angeles, USA, searched for trials evaluating the cannabis extracts delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). According to Lakhan, 'We found evidence that combined THC and CBD extracts may provide therapeutic benefit for MS spasticity symptoms.'

Spasticity, involuntary muscle tension or contraction, is a common symptom of MS. Many existing therapies for this symptom are ineffective, difficult to obtain, or associated with intolerable side effects. In this study, reported incidence of side effects from cannabis, such as intoxication, varied greatly depending on the amount of cannabis needed to effectively limit spasticity, but the researchers note that side effects were also seen in the placebo groups. They add, 'Considering the distress and limitations spasticity brings to individuals with MS, it is important to carefully weigh the potential for side effects with the potential for symptom relief.'

Lakhan concludes, 'The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in MS is comprehensive and should be given considerable attention.'

http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/article.php?q=09120405-study-confirms-that-cannabis-is-beneficial-multiple-sclerosis

[opihimoimoi]

1. roll some fatties for Michael j Fox...asap

[elocs]

2. Although he might like a joint, he has Parkinson's disease. n/t

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. Some people say they have benefitted from it....

http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/medical/challenges/litigators/medical/conditions/movement.cfm

Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions caused by abnormalities in the basal ganglia and their subcortical connections through the thalamus with cortical motor areas. The abundance of CB1 receptors in basal ganglia and reports of animal studies showing the involvement of cannabinoids in the control of movement suggest that cannabinoids would be useful in treating movement disorders in humans. The movement disorders most often considered for marijuana or cannabinoid therapy are dystonia, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Tourette's syndrome. Movement disorders are often transiently exacerbated by stress and activity and improved by factors that reduce stress. This is of particular interest because for many people marijuana reduces anxiety.