Medicinal Marijuana and MS

Yet another study has confirmed the benefits of marijuana. This particular study looked at the issue of how Medicinal Marijuana could benefit long-term sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis. MS, at the moment, has no known cure and affects the communication between the brain and the spinal cord, often leading to either cognitive or physical disabilities, or both.

Medical MarijuanaThe study set out to determine the effects of Medicinal Marijuana (cannabis) on muscle stiffness, which is a common symptom in long-term sufferers of MS. The researchers have gained what appears to be positive results in the patients who were involved with the study, but would like to extend it for a slightly longer time in order to get a better picture. They are also unwilling to to leak the exact benefits at this time.

One doctor associated with the study stated, "What I can say at the moment is that there does seem to be evidence of some beneficial effect in the longer term that we didn't anticipate in the short term study" indicating that the benefits should be positive.

In the United States, there are currently 13 states with medical marijuana laws on the books. Although enforcement by the DEA under the Bush administration often over-shadowed the state's laws, the Obama administration has signalled that it will end these kinds of raids. For more information about the current status of medicinal marijuana, you can check out this interactive map provided by an advocacy group.