6/14/2004
Sativex, developed by GW Pharmaceuticals (GWP) in the UK, has been shown in trials to help reduce the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
A spray form of the drug was tested on 58 arthritis patients and results showed that it helped reduce pain and improve the quality of sleep. According to GWP, few people showed signs of side effects.
Arthritis Research Campaign scientists have carried out similar studies, which showed that cannabidiol – a natural constituent of cannabis that has no mind-altering effects in its purified form – can ease the effects of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
According to Dr. Philip Robson of GWP, “This exploratory trial provides further strong support to our belief that cannabis-based medicines may offer therapeutic potential across a range of medical conditions.”
Stay Informed
Previously in Spondylitis Plus, we covered the hot button issue of medical marijuana. The article can be read online in the July/August 2003 issue that can be found in our Spondylitis Plus archive. Remember, the archive is available only to SAA Members so click here to join today.