cannabisnews.com: Cannabis 'Dramatically Improves Pain Relief' Cannabis 'Dramatically Improves Pain Relief' Posted by FoM on September 03, 2001 at 11:21:45 PT By BBC News Online's Helen Briggs Source: BBC News Results from Britain's first clinical trial of cannabis as a medicine show that it has a dramatic impact on controlling patients' pain. Some individuals who were suffering chronic pain reported that cannabis had changed their lives, said consultant anaesthetist William Notcutt, of James Paget Hospital, Norfolk. "Several patients experienced a dramatic improvement in the pain they were experiencing," he said. "We've had some patients say: `This is brilliant, it stopped my pain in its tracks'." Mixed resultsSeveral trials of medical extracts of cannabis are underway in the UK. Dr Notcutt is studying the effects of the drug on chronic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and spinal injuries. Speaking at the British Association Festival of Science in Glasgow, Dr Notcutt said the majority of the 23 patients studied so far had experienced pain relief from using the drug. In other patients, the only benefit was that they were able to sleep at night, he said. Two experienced no benefit at all, and another two complained of side effects, with one having to withdraw from the trial. 'Going well' Dr Notcutt said the results of the trial were "going well" and he hoped to publish the full research next year. "I hope it will not be long before this new medicine can be used much more widely," he told the BBC. "We need to study this in many more patients than we have done so far." The extracts being tested were taken from special plants grown in the UK by GW Pharmaceuticals. The drugs are self-administered using an under-the tongue spray. Other possible medical applications of cannabis extracts include pain relief for cancer, nerve damage and rheumatoid arthritis, said Dr Notcutt. I hope it will not be long before this new medicine can be used much more widely. -- Dr William Notcutt Source: BBC News (UK Web)Author: Helen Briggs, BBC News OnlinePublished: Monday, September 3, 2001Copyright: 2001 BBCWebsite: http://news.bbc.co.uk/Feedback: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/Related Articles & Web Site:UK Medicinal Cannabis Projecthttp://www.medicinal-cannabis.org/Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmArea Doctor Tests Marijuana Sprayhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10615.shtmlMS Patients in Marijuana Trials http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10320.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #6 posted by Nileeta on September 04, 2001 at 19:40:52 PT: stonin It is unfortunate that the only way to possibly be able to smoke pot legally is to use it for medicinal purposes. I have been smoking for years and it is my "scotch" after a hard day at work and my "cigarette" when I feel like it. However, after having taken a new job several thousand miles from where I lived all my life I am now in the situation where because this is an illegal substance, I am unable to enjoy myself as I used to. Too bad the government cannot see that alcohol and cigarettes are much worse for people than a simple joint or bong hit. Too bad they have to take something that is created naturally and tell us that we cannot have it. Go figure, America the Land of the Free????? Not even close...... [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by TroutMask on September 04, 2001 at 07:46:20 PT Wrong Answer! Sorry, but this study does not say what the US Gubnint wants it to say. Therefore, it will be ignored until the "correct" answers are provided.BS!-TM [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Patrick on September 03, 2001 at 21:04:13 PT Jokkidon I have studied and currently practice Kung Fu and yoga. If I could afford Tai Chi or Qui Gong instruction, I would certainly be willing to learn more. I also believe western medicine is behind the curve on the harmony between the spiritual and physical. Hence, the current war on cannabis and the truth. By the same token I also respect some western doctors. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Jokkidon on September 03, 2001 at 20:49:11 PT: So Are We allowed to Eat Herbs Yet? Chi Rules I say "Eat" because, everyone knows smoking is bad for your health...But wait: smoking tobacco is legal all over the world isn't it(not to mention ideologically promoted)?Point is, I don't have nor do I want cancer. I dont have or want rheumatoid arthritis (yet - it runs in the family). However, I do think that this medecinal herb's properties work preventatively. All Psychadaelics make us more sensitive to subtle energy and this helps us become more aware of our own intrinsic Psycho/Physical Bio Energy Fields, which permeate and radiate beyond our bodies. Thus we can learn to cognitively and conciously (often with some form of Yogic/Taoist guidance) regulate and maintain the most important aspect of physical health which Western Medical Science has repeatedly overlooked: the Biophysical Aura.So, who else here has studied Yoga and/or Taoist energy techniques (Chi Kung...Kung Fu...T'ai Chi...)? Anyone agree? [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Alison Myrden on September 03, 2001 at 12:50:35 PT: The WORLD is finally listening.... We only knew it was a matter of time. Mom always told me - "Squeaky wheel gets the oil". Check out my Exemptee Page and just SEE what it did for me ! For those of us that KNEW it helped with relief of chronic delbilitating pain, I am so very pleased. For those who never believed - Shame on you.Thank God our World is educating themselves. Let's just pick it up so others don't die unnecessarily and in tremendous discomfort. Let's remember "quality of life" here people. Thank you also Dr. Norcutt. You have legitimized this issue forever. Britain and Canada have truly proven to be leaders in the area of Medicinal Use of Cannabis. Now, hurry up and get us a source.Patiently waiting,Alison MyrdenFederal Medical Marijuana Exemptee in Canada The Medical Marijuana Mission [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on September 03, 2001 at 12:49:34 PT News Brief from Reuters Study Shows Cannabis Spray Helps Ease Chronic PainSource: ReutersAuthor: Patricia ReaneyPublished: Monday, September 3, 2001Copyright: 2001 ReutersGlasgow, Scotland A cannabis spray used under the tongue helps to relieve the suffering of multiple sclerosis patients and people suffering from chronic pain, a British doctor said Monday.The spray contains extracts from the drug and allows doctors to control dosage effectively and measure the effects.So far the results have been encouraging.``We are finding it is useful for a lot of patients,'' Dr. William Notcutt of James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth in eastern England told a science conference in Glasgow.An estimated one person in 12 experience chronic pain.Notcutt tested the spray, which was developed and supplied by the British company GW Pharmaceuticals, in patients with experience of cannabis and in others who were not familiar with the drug.The spray totally relieved pain in some patients while it helped others get a good night's sleep, which Notcutt said is a blessed event for many chronic pain sufferers.In addition to providing valuable information about the effectiveness of the drug in easing chronic pain, Notcutt told the British Association for the Advancement of Science Conference that the study was also providing data on the best dosage and side effects.``We need much more basic information on how to use this,'' he said.Although the use of cannabis is illegal in most countries, patients with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis have been lobbying to use cannabis for medicinal purposes.Only three patients out of the 23 in the two groups said they received no benefit from the spray. Side effects included a high level of euphoria, or ``high,'' panic attacks and fainting.Notcutt refused to be drawn on whether his research would provide further support to those seeking to legalese cannabis.``Our goal has been to return people to an active life,'' he said, adding that one patient had returned to work and others had resumed driving.GW Pharmaceuticals, set up in 1997, operates under licenses from the British Home Office (interior ministry) to cultivate, possess and supply cannabis for medical research.It grows cannabis in secure, computer-controlled glasshouses in southern England. The plants used in the trials were grown to maximize the benefits of cannabinoids, the active ingredient in cannabis.Notcutt said the use of cannabis extracts for pain could pave the way for the drug to be used for other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, surgical premedication, epilepsy and eating disorders. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment