CANNABIS FAILS IN CHRONIC PAIN TEST 13 MARCH 2003

Claims that cannabis relieves pain have been contradicted by new research
released in Christchurch.

UK anaesthetist Dilip Kapur told delegates at the Australian and New
Zealand pain conference in Christchurch that despite repeated claims that
cannabis had medicinal qualities, its use in chronic pain management was
questionable.

The unpublished data released by Dr Kapur shows synthetic cannabinoid
nabilone (derived from the cannabis plant) did not reduce chronic pain in
people suffering from a variety of conditions, including nerve damage.

His comments were based on preliminary results from a 14-week trial of 60
people, many of whom had experienced chronic pain for up to five years.

It appeared only patients (26) with spinal cord tumours experienced slight
pain relief from the cannabinoids, he said.

"First appearances (of the results) are disappointing," he said. "The
effect on chronic pain is limited. There does seem to be an area of
difference in people with spinal cord tumours."

Dr Kapur said 96 people were originally involved in the trial, but 36 had
pulled out because of the side effects of the cannabinoids, including
hallucination.

The research contradicts claims that cannabis is a wonder drug.

Pro-cannabis groups from around the world including the Aotearoa Legalise
Cannabis (ALC) party say cannabis has medicinal benefits.

Various websites searched by The Press said cannabis reduced chronic pain
caused by an array of injuries. It was also said to reduce muscle pain in
multiple sclerosis sufferers, reduce vomiting in AIDS and cancer patients,
and relieve pain in glaucoma patients. ALC's website said cannabinoids
provided "non-addictive pain control".

ALC Christchurch-based deputy leader Michael Britnell said most of the
evidence used on the website was anecdotal.

"We have interviewed thousands of people," he said. "There is overwhelming
evidence that it is of benefit to people with long-term chronic pain ... it
is more than pain relief it is a sense of well-being. You might still have
the pain but you might be able to deal with it. It is not like morphine
where the pain goes away."

Mr Britnell questioned how cannabis could be scientifically ruled out for
pain relief when there were more than 100 different strains. "There is huge
variability (with plants)," he said. "That is the problem when you try and
study it. What strain are they administering to these people?"

Dr Kupar said further research was needed on the potential of cannabinoids.