Marijuana Eases Spasticity in MS Patients Studies Show

[1776Forever]

For those that haven't seen this -

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20091204/marijuana-eases-spasticity-in-ms-patients?ecd=wnl_mls_121809

Studies Show Marijuana Extracts May Have Therapeutic Value for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDDec. 4, 2009 --

Marijuana extracts may reduce spasticity symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis, a new study shows.

The review, by Shaheen Lakhan, PhD, and Marie Rowland, PhD, of the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation in Los Angeles, found that five of six published studies they analyzed reported a reduction in spasticity and an improvement in mobility in MS patients treated with marijuana extracts.

Lakhan tells WebMD in an email that the extracts were administered orally. The reviewed studies included the use of cannabis extracts delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD, in people with MS.

"We found evidence that combined THC and CBD extracts may provide therapeutic benefit for MS spasticity symptoms," Lakhan says in a news release.

Involuntary muscle spasms (spasticity) are common symptoms of MS. The researchers say that many existing therapies for this condition are difficult to obtain, ineffective, or associated with intolerable side effects.

Side effects varied greatly and depended on the amount needed to limit spasticity, the researchers write. However, side effects also were seen in people in placebo groups.

(more at link)

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For people like my son who go through absolute torture 90% of their nights I pray that something is done to help those who could be helped by this new application! When your brain, bladder, and muscles start to degenerate it is only hope that gets you through it that some day there will be a cure or a promise of some relief. To all those who have a loved one or friend with this chronic disease I know we all pray for this together.

[becxx]

1. Family has MS and am so sick of this MJ distraction

I am sick of the continued efforts to push MJ in the face of those with MS. What is really needed is quality insurance and help making life style improvements that would really help with MS (e.g, improved diet, exercise, use of Vitamin D3, etc.).

If you want to help, stop pushing this MJ in our faces and support real help.