Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jun 2006
Source: Manchester Evening News (UK)
Copyright: 2006 Manchester Evening News
Contact:  http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1313
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/multiple+sclerosis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

COULD CANNABIS SLOW THE PROGRESS OF MS?

MILLIONS of people could benefit if the world's first trial to 
investigate the effects of cannabinoids on progression of multiple 
sclerosis is a success, it has been claimed.

The UKP2million three-year trial, led by Professor John Zajicek, is 
being carried out in Britain with the help of 500 volunteers, nearly 
20 of whom have already been recruited.

The aim is to discover whether cannabis derivatives could play a role 
in slowing the progression of MS, a chronic disease of the nervous 
system suffered by around 85,000 people in Britain.

'Implications'

Evidence suggests cannabis extracts may play a role in relieving the 
symptoms of MS.

But previous trials led by Prof Zajicek, of Peninsula Medical School 
and Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon, also found evidence to 
suggest one part of cannabis, THC, might slow the development of the disease.

He said: "If this study demonstrates cannabinoids do have a longer 
term effect on the progression of disability, there are potentially 
far-reaching implications, not only for people with MS, but also for 
those with other neurodegenerative conditions.

"If cannabinoids really can protect nerve cells, it might be possible 
to think about other conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's 
disease and motor neuron disease, and other degenerative conditions 
which result from the loss of cells."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake