OPTIMISM OVER MS CANNABIS

It is Hoped that Cannabis Will Relieve MS Pain

A British scientist is still hopeful that cannabis extracts will relieve
the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients - despite disappointing
research results.

Testimonies from many MS patients suggest that the drug is helpful in
relieving symptoms such as spasticity - a painful rigidity of muscles
experienced by many.

However, a small Dutch study of only 16 MS patients given cannabis extract
in capsule form found no apparent benefits.

Despite this, Dr William Nottcutt, a consultant in pain management from the
James Paget Hospital in Kings Lynn, said other research projects now coming
to fruition were likely to produce more positive results.

He said: "This is one study among dozens being conducted into MS.

"I have many patients on my trials coming back saying cannabis has improved
their quality of life."

The Dutch study, published in the journal Neurology, involved patients with
severe spasticity.

They were given either a synthetic version of a cannabis chemical, or
extracts of the plant itself.

Some were given a placebo - a capsule containing no active ingredient.

However, after four weeks of treatment, there was no discernable difference
in the level of spasticity.

Fared Worse

And when the patients were asked to rate their own progress, those on the
active drug treatment actually believed they were worse off.

Dr Joep Killestein, who led the study, said the tiny number of patients
involved meant that no firm conclusions could be drawn.

He also offered some explanations as to the lack of effect.

He said: "One could be the way that the drug was given in a capsule."

He also said the relatively low doses might also be to blame.

Dr Nottcutt told BBC News Online: "We have been giving patients the drug
through a nasal spray so we can get them up to the right dosage very quickly.

"We tend to work on the most difficult patients - and with these, it isn't
always certain that the drugs will work."