cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana Used To Treat MS Patients
Medical Marijuana Used To Treat MS Patients
Posted by CN Staff on November 12, 2003 at 23:20:47 PT
By Meredith Dietrich, Features Reporter
Source: Badger Herald
Medical marijuana has been used to treat pain for a number of diseases, including cancer and HIV. In a recent study, cannabis was used to treat multiple-sclerosis patients. In research conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals Plc., a British drug firm, 600 MS patients from all over Britain were given marijuana to test its pain-relieving ability. In the form of an under-the-tongue spray, cannabis was given to some patients, while others were given a placebo to test the effects of the drug.
Multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting about a million people worldwide, is an autoimmune disease that causes the cells in the immune system to destroy the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The 15-week-long study was used to assess the ability of the drug to relieve such symptoms as spasticity, muscle stiffness and pain. "There is a range of positives and a range of negatives," Dr. John Zajicek, who headed the neurological study, said. "Overall, I think there is enough evidence to take this forward with the licensing and regulatory authorities." Multiple sclerosis, which usually affects women and younger people, can cause vision loss, paralysis, numbness and walking difficulties. The myelin sheath that surrounds the cell is essential to transmit signals to the other parts of the body in order for them to function. Without the myelin, cells cannot send these signals. Patients from the study said the drug helped to relive symptoms such as pain and rigidity, even though the findings from the study said there was not a significant change between those in the placebo group and those in the cannabis group. "The primary outcome measure, the stiffness as measured by the Ashworth scale, did not show a significant difference between the two groups. There was a slight improvement, but it wasn't significant," Zajicek said. Recently the Netherlands, the world's first country to get approval for cannabis to be legal medicinally, began using marijuana as a prescription drug for cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis. Other countries, such as Britain, Australia and the United States, have patients who would like similar measures to be taken. "The focus should be on determining the safety and effectiveness of this substance," Dr. Dana Hanson, president of the Canadian Medical Association, told the Medical Post. "We want the answers that our patients want and demand of any substance." A new law that went into effect in the Netherlands in March will allow thousands of people to be legally eligible for the drug. Health insurance will cover the cost of the drug for the first time in history. In the United States, 14 states allow the use of medicinal marijuana, even with the federal ban on the drug. University of Wisconsin sophomore Brian Becker said if the drug is effective, it should be utilized. "I think the study is a good idea. I mean, how would it hurt to study an alternative form of medicine?" Becker said. "If it works, it works." Source: Badger Herald (Edu, Madison, WI)Author: Meredith Dietrich, Features Reporter Published: November 13, 2003Copyright: 2003 Badger HeraldContact: editor badgerherald.comWebsite: http://www.badgerherald.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:GW Pharmaceuticalshttp://www.gwpharm.com/Cheryl Miller Memorial Projecthttp://www.cheryldcmemorial.org/Marijuana May Help MS Patients http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17747.shtmlGW Hits High as Bayer Snaps Up Cannabis Drug http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16348.shtml Marijuana Now Legal in Dutch Pharmacies http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread15747.shtml
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Comment #20 posted by charmed quark on November 16, 2003 at 07:20:04 PT
Dr. Russo - Why Migraine Studies
As you know, many sufferers of severe migraine do not find reasonable relief with the current preventatives and abortants. Side effects can be terrible and effectiveness minimal. Cannabis has a long history of use for migraines. Even the IOM suggested that this avenue needs exploring.I am one of those sufferers who went through 15 years of standard treatments without success before trying cannabis. Since then, I've had incredible success using it as a preventative. I've gone from being nearly disabled to living a near-normal life.However, I've switched to Marinol as a legal substitute. It doesn't work as well as cannabis but is good enough, although it is too slow acting to use as an abortant. But it doesn't have the side effects of job loss or jail. Legal whole cannabis products would be excellent for migraine, but research is needed to show their efficacy. If trials indicated utility, these products could be added to the standard treatments for migraine and there could be a huge market for someone like GW Pharm.I've wondered why the owners of Marinol haven't done this.
In my case, due to the lack of studies it is very hard to get a doctor to prescribe Marinol off-label for migranes. My prescription is not covered by insurance because of the lack of studies, so it is very expensive for me. It would certainly simplify my life if these studies were done. I'll email you directly if you like.-Pete
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on November 15, 2003 at 21:36:04 PT
Patrick
Sometimes I don't know why I care. I mean that too. I go what's the use. You get hassled for everything it seems anymore but then I think what would I do if I didn't do what I do. I would fight for some other important issue like our earth and protecting it. I believe you should do your best to finish what you are doing before you take on more. I believe a person should bloom where they are planted and by gollie I've been planted right here on CNews so that is my mission. We will win! We do have those who oppose us paying attention.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 15, 2003 at 21:30:48 PT
ekim
Someday we might see a movie about the different topics you mentioned. I guess I try to not look to far ahead and do my very best not to look back. That is defeating but I try to do what I can while I can and hope that we will see results. You know though we are seeing results. Thank you and yes I know I am among friends and I think the world of you all too!
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Comment #17 posted by ekim on November 15, 2003 at 21:09:28 PT
Hey Doc
Have you been aproched by either Mr Nader or Mr Kucinich or any other pol. Seems if one is running for office they would want to be updated. I too would like to see grass2 and would expect to see Ethan in such, along with Tom and Rollie, but also a mention of this site and the Leap site ofcorse Norml and Map and Mpp ect ect come on FoM help me you see all the sites and papers and mags that lead to TV shows and Radio shows and Movies and Plays and Books and ol Records and CDS ------smile FoM you are amoung friends:)
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Comment #16 posted by Patrick on November 15, 2003 at 21:02:20 PT
Before it's too late
I agree FoM we do need to do something and that something is not let go of any more freedom. As a society, if you want to call Americans one, I think we have to protest against and prevent authoritarian raids on our children and ourselves by our own police. What's left of my constitution makes promise to be safe & secure in the form of Amendment IVThe right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. That was written in 1791 people.South Caroline High School 2003
http://65.18.211.65/terror.htmlWe should be outraged as a nation and demand an end to federal law enforcement intervention into our personal medical needs period. If government has the authority to make sure beef poultry and other stuff is safe to eat, they should also make sure domestically grown cannabis is safe from lethal poisons in the same manner. It is up to me first and if I feel a need to consult my doctor on whether I should grow and use cannabis or not. Not the US GOVERNMENT. The Anslinger-Walters legacy is one of rising prison populations created by them revoking the rights of Americans in the above IV Amendment to the Constitution. Run to Canada if you must to avoid jail and imprisonment from a tyrannical federal government. I would too if circumstances suggest its time. But I happen to be a Californian American and like it here thank you very much. Our government is supposed to be for the people by the people. We just need to take it back from the people for themselves and their next re-election campaign.
Cops beating the drug laws into your children.
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on November 15, 2003 at 19:55:51 PT
Patrick
If I look at where we are now since that terrible day on September 11, 2001 it makes me stop and think how did we get to where we are now as a society in such a short time. I know how but it happened so easily and that disturbs me. You mentioned going to Canada. I think it is necessary for some to go but we can't give up down here. We need to do something before it's too late. Freedom is precious. Without freedom life just isn't as important. PS: I'm glad you liked the movie. I thought it was very good too.
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Comment #14 posted by Patrick on November 15, 2003 at 19:16:37 PT
Fear of speaking FoM
One would think that our right to "Freedom of Speech" would make the fear of speaking ones mind irrelevant, non-existent, a misnomer. But noooooo…. Bush's "You are either with us or you are with the terrorists" splintered our country and makes the voices of dissent subject to arrest without constitutional protections. Many people profess the Police State is already here. Is big brother going to clampdown on us military/swat style to enforce a "Red Dawn" like martial law? Just ask South Carolina students.
****insert GOT TERROR poster link here*****Run for Canada while you still can, like the Kubby's, or take the freedom train across Canada to Alaska for a mere 4 ounces and right back into US custody and a hostile state attorney general anxious to introduce teens to prison rape! 2003 Progress? Ha yeah right.How about I am neither a terrorist nor "with" you Herr Bush. I am a believer in Individual Freedom rather than the current federally defined freedom that is imposed upon me from the other side of the North American Continent by the likes of appointed cronies like Ashcroft and Walters. 94 US Senators walked off the job yesterday when it was time to decide what to do with our $87 billion tax dollars earmarked for Iraq. These same senators approved themselves "automatic" payroll increases so they wouldn't be harassed by the taxpayers anymore for having to vote for their own pay raise every year. I ask is this our government? Our government arrests close to a million people every year for cannabis possession! What happened to the principle of NO taxation without representation? It's like it's 1774 all over again and only now in 2003 it's the US GOVERNMENT not the British.One if by no-knock two if by road block…
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on November 15, 2003 at 13:44:57 PT
Dr. Russo
You know what bothers me? I am getting very tired of fear. Fear of speaking about anything that is against the establishment. I hope others can comment though but I do believe Cannabis could help prevent migraines.
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Comment #12 posted by Ethan Russo MD on November 15, 2003 at 13:38:52 PT
Let me ask you!
Charmed Quark: If you or anyone else on this forum would suggest why you see the need for research on cannabis in migraine, I will pass this information along.
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Comment #11 posted by Ethan Russo MD on November 15, 2003 at 13:22:27 PT
Cannabis and Migraine
I'm trying!
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Comment #10 posted by charmed quark on November 15, 2003 at 12:44:44 PT
Dr. Russo - Will GW Pharm ever test for migraines?
Do you think they will ever start a study to see the effectiveness of their spray for migraines?-Pete
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Comment #9 posted by Jose Melendez on November 13, 2003 at 08:42:17 PT
Freedom. Justice. Right . . . or Bud . . . Jet.
I read Jim McDonough's column also:http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1757/a10.html?397He claims that, due to technicalities and the complexity of the drug laws, drug offenders really only make up about a third of one percent of federal prisoners, even less in some states. It's not 30 plus percent, as arrest records indicate, he insists, and anyway those who do drugs would eventually be caught up in the criminal justice system. Really.Later in the article, he makes vague reference to stats showing that marijuana causes violence in youth, disparaging those who make the argument that these problems have consistently been associated with tougher laws. No admission that the murder rate peaks historically with prohibition laws, no mention of the legal amphetamines, selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors and other mind altering substances prescribed (read: force fed) to kids during the exact same (current) time frame at record shattering sales levels. It is unprecedented in history that this many of our youth are either on poisonous state approved drugs, forced into the neo-slavery industrial complex, or both. Ironically, or perhaps cynically, the federal drug czar was just on C-SPAN decrying the poisoning and enslavement of society's youth. He also claims, by the way that while cannabinoids have been proven efficacious and nontoxic, that he (uh, uh, uh, uh . . . ) wonders what the country would be like with 50 or 100 million drug users.Personally, I think there is vast historical and empirical evidence that as a nation we'd be less inclined to be violent and maybe we would stop hypocritically profiteering off of the jailing of one class of people while exempting from prosecution those who commit real crimes. I know I'm rambling, but the latest release of a known killer while Tommy Chong remains in prison for advocating marijuana use in his products makes me want to go to Miami and hand out lots of Drug War is Treason and Criminalize Prohibition signs. Sigh.Amazingly, my state drug czar Jim McDonough insists on defending the status quo, for an industry that would otherwise be subject to racketeering and corruption laws, were it not for the conflict of interest of those sworn to uphold the Florida and United States constitutions.His boss Governor (Evict Jeb!) Bush just spent $60 million in emergency funding for the expected increase in drug offenders, and $6 million on a private jet, to protect himself from lightning strikes. (Fear God?)Under this administration, Florida youth cigarette smoking rates were dropping so quickly that funding for the anti-cigarette ad campaigns were slashed. Apparently, funding is more appropriately applied toward arresting people for smoking one weed in particular, even though countless studies consistently conclude that such laws have either no effect on, or actually increase, youth use rates. Not to mention there are no marijuana deaths unrelated to prohibition, yet millions die annually from legal tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceuticals. Why this undisputed fact is irrelevant to prohibitionists is beyond me.Meanwhile, I read in the local paper that Volusia county shools cut millions from their budget. I want my public officials to file charges against those encouraging waste and fraud in government, not lobby the public to promote a windfall for their special interest industry.Finally, McDonough has the audacity to suggest that if we insist on considering the legalization of smoked marijuana, state approved drunk driving might be next. Funny, I don't remember him suggesting we should arrest all alcohol users. In fact, on the federal level, they even claim that the majority of drinkers do so responsibly. Poison is legal, just not pot. They refuse to acknowledge that a joint is safer to consume before getting behind the wheel than 60 percent of one glass of wine, and I think that all these points show that they are well paid by those industries that profit from poison and incarceration.The message I get is: don't do drugs, this event is brought to you by Budweiser and Winston. It's morally appropriate to launder lottery money through the school budget, even though any extra spending is almost never on textbooks or teacher's salaries.Here's my question for Jim McDonough, maybe someone will be kind enough to forward it to his staff: Got corruption? Can you spell W-a-c-k-e-n-h-u-t?Jose Melendez
peacemonger, stoner, more . . .Florida's Office of Drug Control - Staff:Taina Aldama
Staff Assistant
tainaaldama fdle.state.fl.us
850-487-6781
Zayida Baker
Research Specialist
zayidabaker myflorida.com
850-922-6910
Katie Fisher
Staff Assistant fisherk eog.state.fl.us
850-488-9557
Phyllis Law
Chief, Prevention
PhillisLaw fdle.state.fl.us
850-922-0328
Gwendolyn Clark
Grant Specialist VI gwendolynclark fdle.state.fl.us
850-922-4323
Tami Clark
Deputy Chief Prevention tamaraclark fdle.state.fl.us
850-922-0498
Bruce Grant
Chief of Staff
bruce.grant myflorida.com
850-488-4444
Courtney Heidelberg
Public Affairs Officer courtney.heidelberg myflorida.com
850-487-6680 Peggy Lawson
Executive Assistant
peggy.lawson myflorida.com
850-488-9557
Marty Duncan
Chief, Counter-Drug Law
martin.duncan myflorida.com
850-921-0485
John Kerski
Staff Assistant john.kerski myflorida.com
850-414-8820
Alex Nunez
Staff Assistant
alexnunez fdle.state.fl.us
850-487-8440
Joan Possemato
State Prevention Coordinator joan.possemato myflorida.com
850-414-8820
Please evaluate and make suggestions. Click here!
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Comment #4 posted by mayan on November 13, 2003 at 06:58:01 PT
unrelated...
Marc Emery tours Canada's courts on pot charges:
http://cannabisculture.com/articles/3179.htmlEmery will be giving speeches along his "court tour"...November 17 - St John's, NL (court date and speaking appearance)December 6 - Calgary, AB (after 5 day Grant Kreiger trial)December 19 - Edmonton, AB (court date and speaking appearance)January 12 - Regina, SK (court date and speaking appearance)January 14 - Saskatoon, SK (speaking appearance)January 16 - Yorkton, SK (speaking appearance)January 17 - Dauphin, MB (speaking appearance)January 22 - Winnipeg, MB (court date and speaking appearance)January 29 - Moncton, NB (trial and speaking appearance)
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Comment #3 posted by The GCW on November 13, 2003 at 06:05:17 PT
James R. McDonough, spews again.
CRITICS SCAPEGOAT THE ANTIDRUG LAWS http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1757/a10.html?397Insight Magazine
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Comment #2 posted by The GCW on November 13, 2003 at 05:48:00 PT
good article with some news...
(Chong's wife, stand-up comic Shelby Chong, will kick off her "Free Tommy Chong Tour" in Kansas City with performances Thursday through next Saturday at Stanford & Sons Comedy Club in Overland Park.)&(something is very different in America.) &("Apologizing for obeying the law?")http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1758/a02.html?397US MO: Did They Inhale? Now, The Answer May Be 'Yes'
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Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo MD on November 13, 2003 at 05:47:24 PT:
Key Error
The Zajicek Cannador Study had no connection whatsoever with GW Pharmaceuticals.This study employed an oral extract of 2:1 THC:CBD given twice a day. GWP's Sativex is a 1:1 THC:CBD mixture that is sprayed in the mouth and absorbed a lot faster, allowing dose titration. Results on pain and spasticity have been much more clear cut than in this study, although they did see some positive results. Most people used small amounts 3 or 4 times a day with fewer side effects. For details see:http://www.gwpharm.com/news_pres_05_nov_02.htmlThese results should be published soon.
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