NEWS: Edinburgh study shows cannabis spray relieves pain

A University of Edinburgh research team hopes that a cannabis-based spray may be used alongside traditional pain removers after a study showed the spray reduced pain by 30 per cent.

The spray would be used in cases where traditional analgesics such as morphine do not suit the palliative needs of patients.

Professor Marie Fallon said: "Prescription of these drugs can be very useful in combating debilitating pain."

The tests were trialed on 177 patients over a two week period.

The spray works by triggering molecules in the body called cannabinoid receptors. Although these are the same receptors triggered by recreational cannabis use, the spray has been developed in such a way that it does not affect the mental state of the patient.

According to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), recreational cannabis’ effects derive from the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

This chemical mimics the action of naturally occurring neurotransmitter substances called endocannabinoids.

That said, there are over 60 cannabinoid substances present in cannabis and it appears that these have been specially tailored in the spray to act merely as a palliative.

Prof Fallon, who headed the study, said that the "early results are very promising" and her optimism is shared by the team.

Prof Fallon is currently the Chief Investigator of a multicentre research into managing cancer pain funded by Cancer Research UK. She also advises the World Health Organisation (WHO) on guidelines for cancer pain.

The research comes after the controversial dismissal of David Nutt from the ACMD. It may also serve as a rallying point for campaigners seeking to de-criminalise marijuana for personal use.

However, the research team is keen to highlight “the difference between their medical and recreational use.”

They warn that the reports do not support the recreational smoking of cannabis as it can raise the risk of cancer.

Source: The Edinburgh Journal Limited