CANNABIS 'CAN HAVE MEDICAL BENEFITS'

A NEW study has produced the first objective evidence that chemicals in
cannabis can have medical benefits.

Research at University College London shows that cannabis can ease some of
the painful symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The findings also show that the
drug's active chemicals, known as cannabinoids, prevent muscle aches and
tremors in animals.

The study helps to explain why some sufferers of MS claim smoking or eating
cannabis eases symptoms. The team, who report their research in the journal
Nature, say compounds similar to cannabis produced naturally in the body
regulate and control muscle tone.

Using mice bred to show symptoms of MS, they found that the injection of
synthetic cannabinoids eased muscle stiffness, limb straightening and
tremors within a few minutes. The symptoms returned after a few hours.

Dr Lorna Layward, head of research at the Multiple Sclerosis Society and
co-author of the study, said: "For some years there has been anecdotal
evidence that some people with multiple sclerosis have found relief from
symptoms such as painful spasms by using cannabis. This research sets that
evidence into text. It provides a firm basis for the human trials of
cannabis in MS that will commence shortly."