STUDY CONFIRMS CANNABIS CAN HELP PEOPLE WITH MS

Results from the world's largest study into the medical effects of cannabis
have confirmed that the drug can reduce pain and improve the lives of people
with multiple sclerosis.

Scientists concluded that patients for whom other treatments have failed
should be given tablets made from cannabis derivatives.

The three-year study, published in the medical journal the Lancet, is the
first clinical appraisal of whether cannabis-derived drugs can help treat
MS.

"These improvements to quality of life can make a significant difference to
people with MS," said Mike O'Donovan, chief executive of Britain's Multiple
Sclerosis Society. "On the evidence now available, the MS Society believes
those who might benefit should be able to have treatment prescribed on the
[National Health Service]."

Patients say that smoking the drug reduces symptoms such as muscle stiffness
and tremors and gives them greater mobility.

Researchers from the University of Plymouth tested more than 600 patients
with MS, giving some of them cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the
others a placebo. The groups were not told whether they were taking THC or
the placebo.

Researcher Dr John Zajicek said: "Our findings provide some evidence that
cannabinoids could be clinically useful in treatment of symptoms related to
multiple sclerosis, but more work is necessary."