Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jun 2015
Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/opinion/submit-letters/
Website: http://www.yumasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258

STUDY: SCANT EVIDENCE POT HELPS ILLNESSES

CHICAGO (AP) - Medical marijuana has not been proven to work for many 
illnesses that state laws have approved it for, according to the 
first comprehensive analysis of research on its potential benefits.

The strongest evidence is for chronic pain and for muscle stiffness 
in multiple sclerosis, according to the review, which evaluated 79 
studies involving more than 6,000 patients. Evidence was weak for 
many other conditions, including anxiety, sleep disorders, and 
Tourette's syndrome and the authors recommend more research.

The analysis is among several medical marijuana articles published 
Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. They 
include a small study suggesting that many brand labels for edible 
marijuana products list inaccurate amounts of active ingredients. 
More than half of brands tested had much lower amounts than labeled, 
meaning users might get no effect.

Highlights from the journal:

THE ANALYSIS

The researchers pooled results from studies that tested marijuana 
against placebos, usual care or no treatment. That's the most 
rigorous kind of research but many studies found no conclusive 
evidence of any benefit. Side effects were common and included 
dizziness, dry mouth and sleepiness. A less extensive research review 
in the journal found similar results.

It's possible medical marijuana could have widespread benefits, but 
strong evidence from high-quality studies is lacking, authors of both 
articles say.

"It's not a wonder drug but it certainly has some potential," said 
Dr. Robert Wolff, a co-author and researcher with Kleijnen Systematic 
Reviews Ltd., a research company in York, England.

EDIBLE PRODUCTS

Researchers evaluated 47 brands of medical marijuana products, 
including candy, baked goods and drinks, bought at dispensaries in 
Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

Independent laboratory testing for THC, marijuana's leading active 
ingredient, found accurate amounts listed on labels for just 13 of 75 
products. Almost 1 in 4 had higher amounts than labeled, which could 
cause ill effects. Most had lowerthan-listed amounts. There were 
similar findings for another active ingredients. Products were not 
identified by name.

Johns Hopkins University researcher Ryan Vandrey, the lead author, 
said he was surprised so many labels were inaccurate. The researchers 
note, however, that the results may not be the same in other locations.

MARIJUANA LAWS

Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C. have laws permitting medical 
marijuana use. Approved conditions vary but include Alzheimer's 
disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, kidney disease, lupus and Parkinson's disease.

An editorial in the journal says approval in many states has been 
based on poor quality studies, patients' testimonials or other 
nonscientific evidence.

Marijuana is illegal under federal law and some scientists say 
research has been stymied by government hurdles including a 
declaration that marijuana is a controlled substance with no accepted 
medical use.

But in a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register, the 
Department of Health and Human Services made it a little easier for 
privately funded medical marijuana research to get approved. The 
department said that a federal Public Health Service review of 
research proposals is no longer necessary because it duplicates a 
required review by the Food and Drug Administration.

THE FUTURE

Colorado, one of a few states where recreational marijuana use is 
legal, has pledged more than $8 million in state funds for several 
studies on the drug's potential medical benefits, including whether 
it can reduce veterans' symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. 
That study may begin recruiting participants later this year, said 
Vandrey, one of that study's leaders.

Vandrey said there's a feeling of optimism in the research community 
that "we'll start to get a good science base" for the potential 
medical uses of marijuana.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS

The editorial by two Yale University psychiatrists suggests 
enthusiasm for medical marijuana has outpaced rigorous research and 
says widespread use should wait for better evidence. Federal and 
state governments should support and encourage such research, the 
editorial says.

"Perhaps it is time to place the horse back in front of the cart," 
Drs. Deepak Cyril D'Souza and Mohini Ranganathan wrote in the editorial.

They note that repeated recreational marijuana use can be addictive 
and say unanswered questions include what are the long-term health 
effects of medical marijuana use and whether its use is justified in 
children whose developing brains may be more vulnerable to its effects.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom