tfs

In England, Cannabis is being tested against the progression of Multiple Sclerosis - a disease that erratically degenerates parts of the central nervous system. Everyone in the medical marijuana community knows that cannabis lessens the symptons of MS, but the question here is whether it can also slow the disease’ progression.

The trials are being funded by a $3.8 million grant that specifically targets the effect of THC and its role in protecting nerve cells. Professor John Zajicek, of the Peninsula Medical School had this to say:

This trial will build on our previous study which, coupled with our work in the laboratory, suggested that THC could have a protective effect on nerves.

Multiple Sclerosis is a very unpredictable disease. Currently there are few medicines which are effective in treating MS and none have been shown to have any effect in the progressive stages of the disease.

The further implications of this trial, if they prove to be effective, will have far reaching implications for anyone with nuerodegenerative conditions. This hits especially close to home for me, as my Godmother has been confined to a wheelchair for over 4 years due to this disease. Anything that improves her (and many others) ability to live a fuller, happier life is something worth looking into.

[via BBC]