Marijuana and MS

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.