The Painkiller Cannabis

Today's post from sciencedaily.com (see link below) is yet another justification of the use of cannabis or cannabinoid products to treat chronic pain. It seems the world is slowly coming to the conclusion that there is considerable benefit to be gained by using the drug in one way or another to control pain. The only problem is stereotypical political prejudices which refuse to change with the times, irrespective of the amount of scientific evidence presented. Fortunately, quite a few countries and even states within countries, are taking a sensible stance and accepting that the relief of long term pain may be more important than outdated laws. That said, you have to be able to take cannabis, either smoked, or otherwise and not everybody can do that comfortably.

Cannabis as Painkiller

ScienceDaily (Aug. 7, 2012) 

 Cannabis-based medications have been demonstrated to relieve pain. Cannabis medications can be used in patients whose symptoms are not adequately alleviated by conventional treatment. The indications are muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, loss of appetite in HIV/Aids, and neuropathic pain.

This is the conclusion drawn by Franjo Grotenhermen and Kirsten Müller-Vahl in issue 29-30 of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International.

The clinical effect of the various cannabis-based medications rests primarily on activation of endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Consumption of therapeutic amounts by adults does not lead to irreversible cognitive impairment. The risk is much greater, however, in children and adolescents (particularly before puberty), even at therapeutic doses.

Over 100 controlled trials of the effects of cannabinoids in various indications have been carried out since 1975. The positive results have led to official licensing of cannabis-based medications in many countries. In Germany, a cannabis extract was approved in 2011 for treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. In June 2012 the Federal Joint Committee (the highest decision-making body for the joint self-government of physicians, dentists, hospitals and health insurance funds in Germany) pronounced that the cannabis extract showed a slight additional benefit for this indication and granted a temporary license until 2015.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120807101232.htm