STUDY SHOWS CANNABIS SPRAY HELPS EASE CHRONIC PAIN

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 says.

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.

Dr 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 Dr 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, Dr 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.

Dr Notcutt refused to be drawn on whether his research would provide
further support to those seeking to legalise 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 licences 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 maximise the benefits
of cannabinoids, the active ingredient in cannabis.

Dr 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.

Copyright 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation