New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Studies show marijuana has 'therapeutic value'; research reported to California legislature

Date:
February 18, 2010
Source:
University of California - San Diego
Summary:
Researchers in California have found "reasonable evidence that cannabis is a promising treatment" for some specific, pain-related medical conditions.
Share:
FULL STORY

Researchers from the University of California's Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) have found "reasonable evidence that cannabis is a promising treatment" for some specific, pain-related medical conditions. Their findings, presented February 17 to the California legislature and public, are included in a report available on the CMCR web site.

"We focused on illnesses where current medical treatment does not provide adequate relief or coverage of symptoms," explained CMCR director, Igor Grant, MD, Executive Vice-Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the UCSD School of Medicine. "These findings provide a strong, science-based context in which policy makers and the public can begin discussing the place of cannabis in medical care."

Researchers have completed five scientific clinical trials, with more in progress. These studies showed that cannabis can be helpful in easing pain in selected syndromes caused by injury or diseases of the nervous system and possibly for painful muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis.

"These scientists created an unparalleled program of systematic research, focused on science-based answers rather than political or social beliefs," said Senator John Vasconcellos, original author of The Medical Marijuana Research Act of 1999 (SB847) which led to the creation of the CMCR.

Study results have been published in high-impact medical journals, garnering national and international attention which prompted leading experts to come together and foster scientific dialog on the possible uses of cannabis as a therapeutic agent. More study will be necessary to figure out the mechanisms of action and the full therapeutic potential of cannabinoid compounds, according to the UC researchers.

Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research: Report to the California Legislature (2010)


Story Source:

Materials provided by University of California - San Diego. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

University of California - San Diego. "Studies show marijuana has 'therapeutic value'; research reported to California legislature." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 February 2010. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100217152331.htm>.
University of California - San Diego. (2010, February 18). Studies show marijuana has 'therapeutic value'; research reported to California legislature. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100217152331.htm
University of California - San Diego. "Studies show marijuana has 'therapeutic value'; research reported to California legislature." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100217152331.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES