COULD CANNABIS SLOW THE PROGRESS OF MS?

MILLIONS of people could benefit if the world's first trial to
investigate the effects of cannabinoids on progression of multiple
sclerosis is a success, it has been claimed.

The UKP2million three-year trial, led by Professor John Zajicek, is
being carried out in Britain with the help of 500 volunteers, nearly
20 of whom have already been recruited.

The aim is to discover whether cannabis derivatives could play a role
in slowing the progression of MS, a chronic disease of the nervous
system suffered by around 85,000 people in Britain.

'Implications'

Evidence suggests cannabis extracts may play a role in relieving the
symptoms of MS.

But previous trials led by Prof Zajicek, of Peninsula Medical School
and Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon, also found evidence to
suggest one part of cannabis, THC, might slow the development of the disease.

He said: "If this study demonstrates cannabinoids do have a longer
term effect on the progression of disability, there are potentially
far-reaching implications, not only for people with MS, but also for
those with other neurodegenerative conditions.

"If cannabinoids really can protect nerve cells, it might be possible
to think about other conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's
disease and motor neuron disease, and other degenerative conditions
which result from the loss of cells."