POT FOR MS PATIENTS

The biggest study of using cannabis to relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms
produced mixed results, but researchers say there's enough evidence to
warrant licensing the treatment for MS.

There was no proof that cannabis relieved muscle stiffness caused by the
disease but patients reported some improvements in pain relief, rigidity
and mobility, according to today's edition of The Lancet.

There were also fewer relapses in MS patients given cannabis capsules or
extract than those taking a placebo.

Earlier this year, the Netherlands became the world's first country to make
cannabis available as a prescription drug for cancer, HIV and MS. Patients
in Canada Britain, and the U.S. have pushed for similar measures.

A British drug firm has pioneered an under-the-tongue cannabis spray for MS
patients which could be launched in Britain this year.