Marijuana Updates

There are some marijuana research results that might be interesting to MSers. Check it out:

• The L.A. Times reported research investigating marijuana effects on pain in several conditions and diseases including MS. In one study, nearly half experienced improvement in muscle spasms. Another study showed no objective measures in arm tremors although patients reported feeling improvement.
• One study evaluated the "prevalence of cannabis use, related factors, and degree of satisfaction in Spanish patients with multiple sclerosis." Clinical improvement was reported for a subset [about half] of patients, but most of them were "highly motivated for a future medically controlled use."
• Disabled Politico, a blog I read, posted about a "new model" that provides benefits without affecting the brain and causing psychotropic effects.

technorati tags: medicalmarijuana, downthemspath, msresearch

MS in Videos

Icyou is a video community with intensive health content. There are all kinds of topics -- spousal snoring, high blood pressure, advice on vaccines, presidential candidates talking about healthcare. Videos are from doctors, patients, the current news, and you! Icyou even has a site dedicated to MS. Make and post your own video! Here are a couple of samples:

Lauren has really taken advantage of this service. She presents herself well, she's awfully cute, and she shows us how it is done. Here she has a job! And she is an advocate for Tysabri.


Tim talks about medical marijuana in an unsympathetic state.


Look through them, then add your own - for free!

technorati tags: msvideos, medicalmarijuana, downthemspath

Marijuana - Yes, No, or Maybe?

Last week I read a couple of interesting, short articles on this topic, marijuana used by MSers. It has long been a controversial topic, and I have written about it before.

Medical marijuana in one form or another - pills, cannibis, hemp, mouth spray - has been a topic of discussion for years in many medical communities, including MS. A small number of MSers embrace this alternative treatment while the government stands firmly against it.

The first article highlighted a travel writer, Rick Steves, who is partnering with the ACLU to get the laws governing medical marijuana reviewed. More than 800,000 people are arrested for marijuana possession each year, and a hefty number of those use it as an alternate treatment to ease a chronic or painful condition.

Coincidentally, another article was published the same day. In it a new trial introduces a reason for second thoughts. Results of a small study indicate that marijuana when taken by MSers may cause cognitive problems. When combined with MS, marijuana may exaggerate depression and other emotional issues. In an interview with researchers last year, both Dr. Bruce Cree of University of California in San Francisco and Dr. Olajide Williams of Columbia University in NY cautioned against abusing the drug.

technorati tags: Dr.BruceCree, Dr.OlajideWilliams, marijuana, ms, multiplesclerosis, downthemspath, medicalmarijuana, msresearch, cognitivedifficultiesinms

A World without MS

MS Research promises more treatment options in the coming decade.

There was no approved treatment for MS until about 12 years ago. Suddenly, in the last decade, building on the findings of the first medication, a choice of treatments is now available. Now there are more even more building blocks to help researchers develop new ideas and combinations for future treatments.

Among the prospects are oral medications to reduce or eliminate the need for injections. I vote for that one. There is finally an increase in studying progressive MS which currently has few options. Again, as a progressive MSer, I vote for that one.

Although there is concern of abuse, marijuana research is continuing. The National MS Society supported trial scheduled to complete in March of next year. A study in the UK is promoting Sativex, a currently unlicensed drug administered by spray. For years we have heard anecdotal evidence that cannibus-based drugs help reduce pain and spasms, but there was no research to validate that. Now there is.

One day we will live in a world without MS. New directions and increased activity mean we are closer to that world.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, msresearch, downthemspath,

I Joined the Revolution -- Revolution Health, That Is

Steve Case developed Revolution Health to facilitate the exchange of information within the health care community. Case, co-founder of America On Line, is partnering with community leaders and dozens of companies to give consumers control over their health care.

My introduction to Revolution Health came as an invitation to participate in a teleconference with two distinguished MS experts. Wednesday night, I was on the phone with Dr. Williams and Dr. Cree. The conference was information, and I was encouraged to ask anything I wanted. As an MS blogger, I appreciate all concerned for this exciting opportunity.

Dr. Olajide Williams
Dr. Olajide Williams has many honors including the Gold Foundation Award for Humanism in Medicine and Excellence in Teaching. He works at Harlem Hospital Center and Columbia University Medical Center, both in New York. Read more about Dr. Williams here. Be sure to visit Dr. Williams' blog.

Dr. Bruce Cree

Dr. Bruce Cree is a Sylvia Lawry Fellow and he works in clinical trials focusing on MS epidemiology in San Francisco. Read more about Dr. Bruce here.

I felt privileged as I posed my questions. We talked about the latest issues in research including medical marijuana, stem cells, epstein barr, genetic causes, aging, chronic conditions in addition to MS and oral medications. If you would like to listen to the entire teleconference, here are the audio files.

Cindy sent the invitation. Jason facilitated the teleconference and did a great job. I want to thank Dr. Williams and Dr. Cree for sharing their time and expertise. And thank you Steve Case for Revolution Health. The information about doctors, treatments, insurance, and more, along with popular articles and even blog hosting and forums make this site a revolutionary health community.

Join the Revolution!

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What's New in MS Research?

When I was diagnosed in 1989, there was no effective treatment for MS. So much has changed; there are several approved treatments and the research continues to find more options. In the last several weeks, I have read about many new possibilities, including the following:

• Danish and Belgian researchers have found a computer key that may help discover more about diseases including MS.
• This month, a two year study begins exploring estriol as a treatment. Estriol has been identified as the hormone that suppresses MS symptoms during pregnancy.
• Vaccinex is commercializing a novel antibody that represents a new targeted therapy for MS.
• Enkorten, a drug developed in Bosnia, has successfully completed the first phase of clinical trials. It is the first patented drug from Bosnia for MS treatment.
• Tysabri continues to be tested as a disease-modifying treatment in view of the potential risks.
• Scientists have discovered the process used by the body to clean up damaged nerve tissue and they think this clean up process could have important implications in myelin regeneration.
• A new drug, revimmune, has been found to improve function and stop progression. Based on a follow-up, most MSers have improved movement.
• A study has found marijuana to be a wonder drug for MSers as well as other pain-causing diseases.
• BioMS is expanding its treatment options, focusing on secondary progressive MS.

This has been an exciting time for MS research, and I'm sure there are more exciting programs around the world. Wow. Sounds like hope to me.

MS & MJ

Marijuana. This week medical marijuana is making the news.

Maybe because of the June 28 Senate vote. It was defeated, but the general population seems to want it passed and Senate support is now stronger than ever.

Maybe because of the June 26 launch of C-Ice in the UK. C-Ice is a drink with hemp-blossom syrup or sweet cannabis tea. C-Ice is now in 25 European countries and is being tested specifically for MS leg pain and spasms.

Maybe because of the June 23 announcement that the National MS Society is funding an ongoing study of the effects of marijuana on spasticity in MS. The University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research lost funding before the study was completed and NMSS filled the need.

Marijuana. It just won't go away. Maybe there's a good reason.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, medicalresearch, medicalmarijuana

To Smoke or Not To Smoke

Cigarettes? No, Never.

Marijuanna? No, it’s illegal, well maybe -- What about a mouth spray?

Medical marijuana has often been a topic in the news and on political agendas of a handful of states, but it is difficult to obtain. Anecdotal evidence provides most of our information in the United States because laws and wide-spread drug anxiety limit official research.

However, the National MS Society has reported on benefits and side effects of marijuana derivatives (specifically THC) to treat spasticity, tremors, and pain. In the society’s official statement, a report was cited that cautions smoking delivers an uncontrolled dosage where specific compounds hold promise for MS symptoms. But now there is breaking news that might update the official stance.

In January, the F.D.A. approved advanced clinical trials of a marijuana-derived drug called Sativex, which comes in the form of a mouth spray. Sativex has been approved in Canada for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis, and it is available by prescription (though not yet fully licensed) in Spain and Britain. According to GW Pharmaceuticals, the British company that makes the drug, more than 1,500 patients in those three countries are using Sativex to alleviate pain, muscle spasticity and other serious problems.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, medicalresearch, medicalmarijuana, sativex