CANNABIS DRUGS 'CUT MS SYMPTOMS'

Extracts of Cannabis Were Used

The biggest-ever trial of drugs based on cannabis has confirmed the belief
of multiple sclerosis patients' that they can ease their symptoms.

The study, of more than 600 patients, published in the Lancet medical
journal, also provided some evidence that they boosted mobility.

Other physical proof of the drugs effects on symptoms did not emerge.

A scientist working on the trial said that study had made NHS prescribing
of cannabis-based drugs more likely.

MS patients have been saying for years that smoking cannabis relieved some
of the symptoms of their condition.

These included "spasticity" - painful spasms and stiffness of the muscles,
which make moving very difficult, as well as tremor and bladder problems.

Some MS patients are even prepared to break the law to obtain cannabis
illegally.

Hard Evidence

The trial, funded by the Medical Research Council, was set up five years
ago in an attempt to provide hard evidence either proving or disproving
these claims.

The spasticity of each patient was measured before and during the 14-week
trial using a special scoring system, and the patients were asked whether
they noticed any improvement in their condition.

In addition, patients were timed walking a set distance to see if the drugs
might have any effect on their overall mobility.

Subjective Success

The results were mixed. The "objective" scores of spasticity did not
improve significantly, even in those patients given the active drugs.

There was a slight increase in mobility among the patients on the drugs.

But when the patients were quizzed on how they felt during the trial, those
taking the cannabis-based medication said they believed a significant
improvement had taken place.

They had registered improvement in pain, spasm and spasticity, and sleep
quality.

The researchers concluded that, despite not having much objective "proof"
of the physical effects of the drug, there remained evidence it could be
"clinically useful" in treating some MS-related symptoms.

'Make It Available'

Dr John Zajicek, from Penninsula Medical School in Plymouth, told BBC News
Online the study laid the foundation for future research into cannibinoids.

"My own interpretation is that there is enough evidence for the drug
companies to take it forward to the regulator in the UK.

He said: "At the end of the day, we have to listen to what the patients are
saying. That is what being a good doctor is all about."

The results of the study have been welcomed by charities working for MS
patients.

Chris Jones, the chief executive of the MS Trust, said it was "frustrating"
that there was no clear physical proof that cannabinoids helped relieve
spasticity.

But he added: "Overall, we believe that this study, combined with others
which demonstrate symptomatic improvement, provides convincing evidence
that cannabis may be clinically useful."

Mike O'Donovan, from the MS Society, added: "These improvements to quality
of life can make a significant difference to people with MS, whose choice
of treatments is very limited.

"On the evidence now available, the MS Society believes those who might
benefit should be able to have treatment prescribed on the NHS. We also
believe that further research into cannabis-derived medicines for MS should
be vigorously pursued."

One drug company has already applied, on the basis of its own clinical
trial, for a licence for a cannibinoid drug for MS.

Other research into cannabis-based medication is continuing, looking at its
effect on Alzheimer's disease, general post-operative pain, and wasting
associated with Aids.

Modern cannabis medications do not produce a "high" - the psychoactive
ingredients are either missing or delivered in a much lower dose than in
the street drug.