Health and Fitness

University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Concludes Marijuana Has Legitimate Medicinal Benefits


CALIFORNIA–(ENEWSPF)–July 3, 2012.  A recent government sponsored study at the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis concluded marijuana has legitimate medicinal benefits, including relief from chronic pain.The study also found that reclassification is needed immediately to open the way for more clinical trials. The study was published in The Open Neurology Journal

According to the study, recent clinical trials with smoked and vaporized marijuana, as well as other botanical extracts indicate the likelihood that the cannabinoids can be useful in the management of neuropathic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, and possibly other indications. As with all medications, benefits and risks need to be weighed in recommending cannabis to patients.

The study concludes that “the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as well as the continuing controversy as to whether or not cannabis is of medical value are obstacles to medical progress in this area. Based on evidence currently available the Schedule I classification is not tenable; it is not accurate that cannabis has no medical value, or that information on safety is lacking. It is true cannabis has some abuse potential, but its profile more closely resembles drugs in Schedule III (where codeine and dronabinol are listed). The continuing conflict between scientific evidence and political ideology will hopefully be reconciled in a judicious manner.”

The complete study can be read at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358713/?tool=pubmed

Source: The Open Neurology Journal


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