Cannabis Study House - NORML Weekly News in Audio 2008.9.11

Weekly News in Audio

September 11, 2008

"Radical" Russ Belville
Download (MP3)

Cannabis Spray Demonstrates Long Term Efficacy In Neuropathic Pain, Study Says

Second Study In Two Months Touts Cannabis' Germ-Fighting Abilities

Arkansas: Fayetteville Voters To Decide “Lowest Law Enforcement Priority” Initiative

Porter Down, United Kingdom
Cannabis Spray Demonstrates Long Term Efficacy In Neuropathic Pain, Study Says

Long-term administration of Sativex, an oral spray consisting of whole plant cannabis extracts, reduces neuropathic pain compared to placebo, according to clinical trial data released this week by the biotechnology company GW Pharmaceuticals.

Forty-one patients with multiple sclerosis and central neuropathic pain completed the double blind, placebo-controlled "randomized withdrawal" study. Volunteers in the study were administered either Sativex or a placebo daily for four weeks following their long-term use of the cannabis spray.

"In the patients who were randomized to Sativex pain scores remained stable," the company announced in a press release. "In the patients randomized to placebo, pain and sleep scores deteriorated. … The results of all other symptom-related endpoints showed that Sativex patients maintained or improved their response whilst the symptoms of those who switched from Sativex to placebo worsened in the four weeks following cessation of active treatment."

Previous open-label extension trials of Sativex have reported that patients required fewer daily doses of the drug and reported lower median pain scores the longer they took it. This trial is the first placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy of Sativex long-term.

Last month, clinical investigators at the University of California at San Diego reported that inhaled cannabis significantly reduces HIV-associated neuropathic pain. The study is the third clinical trial published in the past 18 months demonstrating that inhaling cannabis ameliorates chronic neuropathy.

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director,
or visit http://www.gwpharm.com.

Oxford, MI:
Second Study In Two Months Touts Cannabis' Germ-Fighting Abilities

Non-cannabinoid constituents in marijuna possess anti-bacterial properties against malaria, methicillim-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (aka MRSA), and other potentially drug-resistant pathogens, according to findings to be published in the journal Phytochemistry.

Investigators at the University of Mississippi, National Center for Natural Products Research reported the discovery of eleven new non-cannabinoid constituents in cannabis, several of which possess strong “anti-microbial,” “anti-malarial,” and “anti-leishmanial” (a common skin parasite) activity. Scientists reported that several of the compounds also possessed anti-inflammatory properties and acted as potent anti-oxidants.

Commenting on the study, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “Therapeutic cannabis means just that - the therapeutic prowess of the whole plant. We should not advocate for, or accept, anything less.”

A previous study published online in August by the Journal of Natural Products reported that at least five cannabinoids - THC, CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromine), and CBN (cannabinol) - possess germ-killing abilities against various strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA.

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director.
Full text of the study, “Non-cannabinoid constituents from a high potency Cannabis sativa strain,” will appear in Phytochemistry.

Fayetteville, AR:
Arkansas: Fayetteville Voters To Decide “Lowest Law Enforcement Priority” Initiative

Fayetteville voters will decide this November on a municipal initiative that seeks to make marijuana law enforcement the city's "lowest priority."

Proponents of the measure, Sensible Fayetteville, gathered nearly 5,000 signatures from registered voters to place the proposal on the November ballot.

The measure would direct law enforcement to make activities related to the investigation and prosecution of adults who possess up to one ounce of cannabis their lowest priority. Local voters approved a similar 'deprioritization' measure in Eureka Springs, Arkansas in 2006.

Under state law, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

If enacted, the ordinance would also require the city clerk to submit a letter to state and federal legislators urging them to "take immediate steps to enact similar ['deprioritization'] laws."

Voters have enacted similar initiatives in Seattle, Washington; Oakland, California; Columbia, Missouri; and Denver, Colorado.

Sensible Fayetteville is a coalition of statewide organizations, including the University of Arkansas chapter of NORML and the Alliance for Drug Reform Policy in Arkansas.

For more information, please visit http://www.sensisblefayetteville.com.

▲