Marijuana. It just won't go away. Maybe there's a
good reason.
Medical marijuana in one form or another - pills, cannibis, hemp, mouth spray -
has been a topic of discussion for years in many medical communities, including
MS. It is on political agendas of a handful of states, but it is difficult to
obtain. Anecdotal evidence provides most of our information in the United States
because laws and wide-spread drug anxiety have limited official research. A
small number of MSers embrace this alternative treatment while the U.S.
Government stands firmly against it.
When I was newly diagnosed -- and that was before there were any approved
MS treatments -- I heard marijuana might be helpful so I asked my doctor, a
highly-respected researcher with Southwestern
Texas Medical
Center. He said he
believed it would be beneficial, but the catch was I would have to find it
myself. Hmm. That essentially means "find it myself illegally." There
has to be a better way.
In recent years I had the opportunity to question other doctors. There was
always caution in their voice because of illegalities. This policy punishes
those who benefit and prohibits reasonable scientific research. It keeps America under a
cloud of fear and duplicity. "The government knows best," seems to be
a belief unquestioned by too many.
Every once in awhile, I check on the Internet to see if there has been progress
on this front. Stories of arrests and alternate treatment advocates abound.
Scattered among them are a very few studies and clinical tests.
- - The National MS Society has reported on
benefits and side effects of marijuana derivatives (specifically THC) to
treat spasticity, tremors, and pain. The society cites a report that
cautions that smoking delivers an uncontrolled dosage. Other specific
compounds, on the other hand, hold promise for MS symptoms.
- - A 2007 study found that marijuana may be a wonder
drug for MS as well as other chronic diseases like diabetes.
- - In January 2006, the UK F.D.A. approved
advanced clinical trials of a marijuana-derived drug called Sativex, which
comes in the form of a mouth spray. Sativex has been approved in Canada for the treatment of neuropathic
pain associated with multiple sclerosis, and it is available by
prescription (though not yet fully licensed) in Spain
and Britain.
According to GW Pharmaceuticals, the British company that makes the
drug, many patients in Europe are using Sativex to
alleviate pain, muscle spasticity and other serious problems.
- - Just this week disappointing
results of that study were published. Half the people reported their
pain was reduced, but the placebo group also reported pain relief. The
drug's benefit is difficult to determine and requires further research.
This study focused on pain while the next is focusing on spasticity.
- - A new trial introduces a reason for second
thoughts. Results of a small study indicate that marijuana when
taken by MSers may cause cognitive problems. It suggests marijuana
combined with MS may exaggerate depression and other emotional issues.
However, the study results also point out that MS alone causes the same
cognitive problems.
There are no conclusive results, but there is some active research. The other
part of this equation is the legal issue.
Twelve states have approved medical marijuana allowing their citizens to
possess designated quantities to treat chronic, debilitating conditions. In
those states, doctors can provide prescriptions, but there is no guarantee
patients will not be arrested. Other states, notably New York, are currently considering legislation.
See ecrowly's post here on Disaboom.
Federal law approving medical marijuana has yet to be passed. Two years ago, June
2006, a bill was presented in the Senate. The bill was narrowly defeated, but
the general population seems to want it passed and Senate support is now
stronger than ever.
Thus appears a thin stream of light showing the compassion of a government of
the people
Here are some other interesting articles:
- In Yahoo Answers there is a thoughtful "Best
Answer"in response to a question about states that have legalized medical
marijuana.
- Medicinal pot has its downers: study covers Canadian
studies that highlight adverse effects, but states the studies were small and
short so they could not be considered conclusive.
- New report finds highest-ever levels of THC in U.S. marijuana,
stating the increase amplifies the drug dangers. However, legalizing marijuana
also opens the door to monitoring and regulating production so THC levels can
be controlled. THC is the psychoactive ingredient that has been legally used
for year for condition such as glaucoma.
- BoingBoing published two relevant posts. First talks about the government's self-justifying marijuana policy. The second post tells of John Conyer's letter to the DEA costs and treatment of California cannibis
dealers.
- Here is a year-old ACLU article about federal obstruction of medical marijuana research including
privately funded research.
