Pubdate: Mon, 13 Jul 2015
Source: Medicine Hat News (CN AB)
Column: To Your Health
Copyright: 2015 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.medicinehatnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1833
Author: Gillian Slade
Page: B1

ARTHRITIS SOCIETY GETS MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH GRANT

Cannabis has been recognized as a pain reliever for many and now the 
Arthritis Society has announced a three-year research grant for a 
study on the benefits for people with arthritis.

Dr. Jason McDougall of Dalhousie University is the recipient of the 
grant money to investigate the effect of medical cannabis on 
arthritis pain and management of the disease.

"People living with arthritis pain are looking for alternatives to 
improve their quality of life," said Janet Yale, president and CEO of 
the Arthritis Society in a recent press release. "We need research to 
help answer the many important questions around medical cannabis and its use."

This initiative is meant to give those with arthritis an informed 
choice and also provide physicians with some evidence when deciding 
on treatment options for their patients.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects one 
in every 10 Canadian adults. While there is no cure, an early 
diagnosis and treatment can delay potential damage to the joints.

In osteoarthritis treatment there is a theory that the pain might 
stem from damage to the nervous system rather than being due to 
deterioration of the joint. This could explain why current therapies 
are not always effective.

This new cannabis research will look into whether "cannabis-like 
compounds" could repair the nerves and so bring relief from the pain.

In 2015 the Arthritis Society in Canada will be holding a national 
conference on medical cannabis.

It is against the law to possess, sell, give away, or grow marijuana 
without legal permission from Health Canada.

Individuals with certain health issues are allowed to buy a limited 
amount of marijuana for their own use for diseases such as cancer, 
AIDS and multiple sclerosis. Medical marijuana is used to treat 
symptoms such as pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. It must be 
authorized by a physician for medical treatment.

Additional information is available at www.myhealth.alberta.ca under 
Health Information & Tools and at www.hcsc.gc.ca.

Here's to research that could mean relief for those suffering with 
chronic arthritic pain and here's To Your Health.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom