Marijuana relieves MS symptoms - Study: Patients felt better; objective tests didn't show improvement
By: Emma Ross - The Associated Press, Ottawa Citizen, 11/07/03

LONDON -- A marijuana pill appeared to relieve some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in the first scientifically rigorous study of the strongly debated drug.

The research, published this week in The Lancet medical journal, found that even though improvements could not be detected by objective tests, a greater proportion of patients taking the drug reported reduced pain and muscle stiffness than those taking placebos.

Experts said the results make them tricky to interpret. Some said they were encouraged any improvement was noted, while others said if there had been a major effect, it would have shown up in the doctors' tests.

One study leader, Dr. John Zajicek of the University of Plymouth in England, said the research raises questions about what's more important: a doctor's measurements or the patient's perspective.

"I think if there's a conflict, it's what the patient feels which is important, so I think it's quite encouraging," said Roger Pertwee, a professor of neuropharmacology at the University of Aberdeen, who was not involved in the study.

Multiple sclerosis causes a range of chronic symptoms, including muscle stiffness and spasms, pain, tremor, fatigue, depression and bladder problems.

The study was set up to test the theory that cannabis and cannabinoids reduce muscle stiffness and may help alleviate other MS-related symptoms.

Patients taking the drug reported improved sleep and fewer or less intense muscle spasms. Those who could walk showed improved walking ability. However, when an objective test of muscle stiffness was used, no difference was detected.

"The stiffness as you move the limb on the bed and measure it carefully does not pick up a difference," said one researcher, Dr. Alan Thompson. "But when you look at the impact that (muscle stiffness) has on everyday life -- on what the patient feels -- then there is a difference."