Results from the world's largest study into the medical effects of cannabis have confirmed that the drug can reduce pain and improve the lives of people with multiple sclerosis.
Scientists concluded that patients for whom other treatments have failed should be given tablets made from cannabis derivatives.
The three-year study, published in
the medical journal the Lancet, is the first clinical appraisal of whether cannabis-derived drugs can help treat MS.
"These improvements to quality of life can make a significant difference to people with MS," said Mike O'Donovan, chief executive of Britain's Multiple Sclerosis Society. "On the evidence now available, the MS Society believes those who might benefit should be able to have treatment prescribed on the [National Health Service]."
Patients say that smoking the drug reduces symptoms such as muscle stiffness and tremors and gives them greater mobility.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth tested more than 600 patients with MS, giving some of them cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the others a placebo. The groups were not told whether they were taking THC or the placebo.
Researcher Dr John Zajicek said: "Our findings provide some evidence that cannabinoids could be clinically useful in treatment of symptoms related to multiple sclerosis, but more work is necessary."
- INDEPENDENT
The Lancet
MS Society of Auckland
Herald Feature: Health
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