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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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New Zealand: Cannabis Fails In Chronic Pain Test
ccguide Thursday 13 Mar 2003 Pubdate: Wed, 12 Mar 2003 Source: Press, The (New Zealand) Contact Website: http://www.press.co.nz/ Address: Private Bag 4722, Christchurch, New Zealand Fax: +64-3-364-8238 Copyright: 2003 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd. Author: Michelle Brooker CANNABIS FAILS IN CHRONIC PAIN TEST 13 MARCH 2003 Claims that cannabis relieves pain have been contradicted by new research released in Christchurch. UK anaesthetist Dilip Kapur told delegates at the Australian and New Zealand pain conference in Christchurch that despite repeated claims that cannabis had medicinal qualities, its use in chronic pain management was questionable. The unpublished data released by Dr Kapur shows synthetic cannabinoid nabilone (derived from the cannabis plant) did not reduce chronic pain in people suffering from a variety of conditions, including nerve damage. His comments were based on preliminary results from a 14-week trial of 60 people, many of whom had experienced chronic pain for up to five years. It appeared only patients (26) with spinal cord tumours experienced slight pain relief from the cannabinoids, he said. "First appearances (of the results) are disappointing," he said. "The effect on chronic pain is limited. There does seem to be an area of difference in people with spinal cord tumours." Dr Kapur said 96 people were originally involved in the trial, but 36 had pulled out because of the side effects of the cannabinoids, including hallucination. The research contradicts claims that cannabis is a wonder drug. Pro-cannabis groups from around the world including the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis (ALC) party say cannabis has medicinal benefits. Various websites searched by The Press said cannabis reduced chronic pain caused by an array of injuries. It was also said to reduce muscle pain in multiple sclerosis sufferers, reduce vomiting in AIDS and cancer patients, and relieve pain in glaucoma patients. ALC's website said cannabinoids provided "non-addictive pain control". ALC Christchurch-based deputy leader Michael Britnell said most of the evidence used on the website was anecdotal. "We have interviewed thousands of people," he said. "There is overwhelming evidence that it is of benefit to people with long-term chronic pain ... it is more than pain relief it is a sense of well-being. You might still have the pain but you might be able to deal with it. It is not like morphine where the pain goes away." Mr Britnell questioned how cannabis could be scientifically ruled out for pain relief when there were more than 100 different strains. "There is huge variability (with plants)," he said. "That is the problem when you try and study it. What strain are they administering to these people?" Dr Kupar said further research was needed on the potential of cannabinoids. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth
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