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In a May 24, 2012 article for Medscape Medical News, Fran Lowry reports there is evidence that "smoking marijuana can relieve muscle spasms and pain in patients with MS."
Spasticity is a common symptom of MS and can be debilitating for some people. Lowry's article refers to a study published online May 14 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Many MS patients claim smoking marijuana relieves spasticity and pain. This study attempted to clinically measure efficacy in a placebo-controlled trial.
View slideshow: Medical marijuana
The lead author of the study, Jody Corey-Bloom, MD, PhD, from the University of San Diego says there is a trade-off.
Both spasticity and pain were reduced in the patients that smoked the cannabis; however patients also had significantly reduced cognitive function.
Dr. Corey-Bloom told Medscape "We would like the study to encourage researchers to search for more effective treatments for spasticity and other symptoms related to MS."
Lowry's article asked Lily Jung Henson, MD, medical director of the Neurology Clinic at Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle, Washington to weigh in on this subject. Dr. Jung Henson is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Neurology.
Dr. Jung Henson was quoted as saying the study was "well-designed" and that she thought the variables including other meds that could interfere with how patients responded were controlled and "it dealt with the regulatory issues associated with using cannabis."
The doctor also said the study "objectively measured spasticity and used reasonable quantifiable measures for pain and cognitive function"
The problem seems to be in the method of delivery. Do the deleterious effects of the smoke and the cognitive impairment outweigh the beneficial effects of the cannabinoids?
Jason Sholtanuk, Director of Patient Services for the Cannabis Trade Association points to the CTA's Facebook page and states "The psycho active ingredient referred to as THC does not become active until heated. Eaten raw, like a vegetable, one does not become high."
Fran Lowry's article can be found here.
The study published in the online Canadian Medical Association Journal can be found here.
The Cannabis Trade Association's Facebook page can be found here.
Your experience with M.S. is intensely personal, and all treatment decisions should be made with the advice of a physician. Don't isolate yourself. Don't give up. M.S. doesn't own you. A positive attitude is the key to keep you moving.
News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: examiner.com
Author: Barbi Smith
Contact: About Examiner.com Passionate, local writers | Examiner.com
Website: Marijuana for MS: panacea or placebo? - Orlando multiple sclerosis | Examiner.com
Spasticity is a common symptom of MS and can be debilitating for some people. Lowry's article refers to a study published online May 14 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Many MS patients claim smoking marijuana relieves spasticity and pain. This study attempted to clinically measure efficacy in a placebo-controlled trial.
View slideshow: Medical marijuana
The lead author of the study, Jody Corey-Bloom, MD, PhD, from the University of San Diego says there is a trade-off.
Both spasticity and pain were reduced in the patients that smoked the cannabis; however patients also had significantly reduced cognitive function.
Dr. Corey-Bloom told Medscape "We would like the study to encourage researchers to search for more effective treatments for spasticity and other symptoms related to MS."
Lowry's article asked Lily Jung Henson, MD, medical director of the Neurology Clinic at Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle, Washington to weigh in on this subject. Dr. Jung Henson is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Neurology.
Dr. Jung Henson was quoted as saying the study was "well-designed" and that she thought the variables including other meds that could interfere with how patients responded were controlled and "it dealt with the regulatory issues associated with using cannabis."
The doctor also said the study "objectively measured spasticity and used reasonable quantifiable measures for pain and cognitive function"
The problem seems to be in the method of delivery. Do the deleterious effects of the smoke and the cognitive impairment outweigh the beneficial effects of the cannabinoids?
Jason Sholtanuk, Director of Patient Services for the Cannabis Trade Association points to the CTA's Facebook page and states "The psycho active ingredient referred to as THC does not become active until heated. Eaten raw, like a vegetable, one does not become high."
Fran Lowry's article can be found here.
The study published in the online Canadian Medical Association Journal can be found here.
The Cannabis Trade Association's Facebook page can be found here.
Your experience with M.S. is intensely personal, and all treatment decisions should be made with the advice of a physician. Don't isolate yourself. Don't give up. M.S. doesn't own you. A positive attitude is the key to keep you moving.
News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: examiner.com
Author: Barbi Smith
Contact: About Examiner.com Passionate, local writers | Examiner.com
Website: Marijuana for MS: panacea or placebo? - Orlando multiple sclerosis | Examiner.com
