Marijuana Has Therapeutic Value, Reports California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research; Studies Show MJ Safe and Effective in Treatment of Chronic Pain & Neuralgia et al.
SACRAMENTO, In a landmark report to the state legislature today, the California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research announced that its studies have shown marijuana to have therapeutic value (Go here for report).
The CMCR, established at the University of California in 2000 to conduct controlled scientific studies of medical marijuana, reported positive results in six different human clinical trials regarding chronic pain, spasticity and vaporization.
Four studies showed marijuana to be safe and effective in relieving the chronic pain of neuralgia. "The findings are very consistent," remarked CMCR director Prof. Igor Grant, "There is good evidence now that cannabinoids may be a good adjunct or even first line treatment." Neuralgia is a type of pain caused by damaged nerves that is particularly resistant to other therapies . Some 10% of the population are said to be affected by neuralgia.
A fifth CMCR study found marijuana effective in reducing muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.
A sixty study demonstrated the efficacy of smokeless vaporizers as an alternative delivery system to smoked marijuana. California NORML, which has promoted research on vaporizers, advised CMCR researcher Dr. Donald Abrams on the study.
"Today we have good solid, scientific research that will benefit patients in California and across the globe," remarked state Sen. Mark Leno at a press conference announcing the CMCR report. Former State Sen.Vasconcellos, who sponsored the state legislation establishing the CMCR, called the studies "state-of-the-art" evidence of marijuana's value in medical use.
The DEA has insisted that scientific evidence of marijuana's efficacy is needed before it can be made available for medical use. "The evidence is in," says California NORML director Dale Gieringer, a member of the CMCR's advisory council."The time has come for the government to change its policy and recognize the medical value of marijuana."
A petition to reschedule marijuana for medical use has been pending before the DEA since 2002. California NORML is calling on the Obama administration to give it prompt and favorable attention in light of the CMCR's findings.
- California NORML Release by Dale Gieringer (415) 563-5858
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