|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
UK: Plea for cannabis on NHS
Graeme Murray Evening Times, Glasgow
Friday 07 Nov 2003 CAMPAIGNERS today called for cannabis-based medicines to be made available on the NHS to multiple sclerosis sufferers. The call came after the biggest-ever trial of its kind confirmed that the drugs can ease patients' symptoms. The study, of more than 600 patients, published in the Lancet medical journal, also provided some evidence that they boosted mobility. Today the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland said the evidence meant those who might benefit from the drug should be able to have treatment on the NHS. A spokeswoman said: "A lot of people in Scotland took part in the survey, and the trials have shown that people with MS can get relief from symptoms like pain, spasticity and sleeping problems. "We are hoping the Scottish NHS will provide new cannabis drugs which are already being developed by some companies in the form of a spray which will be applied under the tongue." Alan McIntyre, a counsellor at the Glasgow MS Therapy Centre, backed proposals to introduce such a drug. He said: "It's a delicate subject to talk about for a lot of people, because of the fact that it's an illegal substance, but it does help many sufferers and provides them with a great amount of pain relief. "But they do have a moral dilemma because it is an illegal drug. The majority of people would like to try it for pain relief, but they don't want the police banging on their door." The research, published in medical journal The Lancet, showed many MS sufferers have found the class B drug gives them relief from the crippling condition, and have risked arrest to take it. In July an MS sufferer tried to take her own life because she said living without cannabis was unbearable. Elizabeth Ivol, 55, known as Biz, from Orkney, admitted distributing the drug in the form of specially-prepared chocolates, but insisted she was doing no wrong and the case was dropped.
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!