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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Multiple sclerosis patient speaks of three-year cannabis trial experience SAM BLACKLEDGE Plymouth Herald Tuesday 14 Oct 2014 Alethea Wigzell, from Cornwall, spoke to healthcare professionals and researchers at Derriford Hospital during a research and development conference. Alethea said: “Being part of trying to find a cure for MS, for which there is none, is very positive in what can sometimes seem a bleak and negative situation. It gave me the opportunity to be part of a possible solution and not just having the problem. “There have been so many claims, stories, myths about cannabis, and to properly and definitely find out if it could physically halt progression with MS was a great step forward. I wanted to be part of finding out.” The trial required participants to undergo blood and urine tests, eyes tests, MRI scans and regular questionnaires about their lives. “I felt as though someone is taking an interest in the MS and in me,” Alethea said. “And you never know, if there is something particularly unusual about my MS, or even my health generally, it might be noticed and mentioned. “Mainly though, it’s the thought of doing something positive and actively participating – it could make all the difference.” Alethea took part in the Cupid (Cannabinoid Use in Progressive Inflammatory brain Disease) study, which involved nearly 500 people with progressive MS. The clinical trial was the first large-scale, multi-centre study of its kind and researchers in the UK hoped to show that cannabis could slow the progression of MS. The study’s chief investigator, Professor John Zajicek, consultant neurologist at Derriford Hospital, said the results failed to demonstrate that dronabinol (a constituent of cannabis) could slow MS progression, although some patients at the lower end of the disability scale did appear to benefit. Dr Helen Neilens, research advisor at Plymouth Hospitals and organiser of the event, said: “We are delighted with the turnout and interest we have had in this year’s conference. It has been a great opportunity to reflect on the diversity of the South West’s health research and how fortunate we are to have so many talented researchers who are dedicated in working together and conducting research for the benefit of all NHS patients. “This year’s conference has provided a platform to encourage collaboration, participation and the generation of new, innovative research, both locally and across the South West Peninsula between us and other healthcare professionals and academic researchers.” http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Multiple-sclerosis-patient-speaks-year-cannabis/story-23153828-detail/story.html
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