L.A. Marijuana Lawyers: Smoking Helps Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Los Angeles marijuana lawyers know that doctors prescribe medical marijuana in Los Angeles for a wide variety of reasons.

Nearly at the same pace that federal agents are raiding California medical marijuana dispensaries, it seems we find new and useful purposes for this organic plant.

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that medical marijuana greatly eased the symptoms of pain and stiffness in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the researchers recruited dozens of multiple sclerosis sufferers. They all reported experiencing problems with something called “spasticity.” This is essentially involuntary muscle spasms and stiffness, which are common symptoms for sufferers of MS. A lot of them also reported having severe back pain.

The scientists then separated the research pool into two groups. The first group was given marijuana. The second group was given a placebo, which is a substance that would make patients think they were using marijuana, when really they were not.

Each group was additionally subjected to a cleansing period of more than 10 days in which neither substance was taken.

Within an hour after smoking either the marijuana or the placebo, the patients underwent a series of tests. They were measured for muscle tone in their hips, knees and elbows. Additionally, they were given a speed walking test, a cognitive function test and a pain memory test.

The patients who were given actual marijuana reported that they felt the spasticity symptoms had markedly improved. We should note that researchers found no actual change in range of movement, but it certainly says something about perceptions of pain reported by the participants. And sometimes, perception can be everything when you’re just trying to get through the day completing your everyday, basic functions such as cooking dinner or bathing yourself.

Those who had smoked marijuana additionally reported some level of cognitive impairment. Of course, this would be expected. Researchers say they plan to conduct further testing to see whether it’s possible that less than a full joint of marijuana may offer the same positive aspects without creating as much of a “high” feeling.

Our Los Angeles marijuana lawyers would note too that many patients have reported being able to eliminate that “high” feeling by administering the drug in a pill form, rather than simply smoking it.

The point, of course, is that for all of its medicinal benefits, it is unfortunate that the legal community can’t recognize what the medical community already has: That there is a great deal of potential in this drug to be used for a host of illnesses and pain issues. What’s more, it is considerably less expensive and better for you than taking a rainbow of toxic, highly-addictive, prescription painkillers.

The taxpayer resources being currently spent on raiding Los Angeles marijuana dispensaries should instead be funneled into research that could serve to actually benefit our ailing populous.

The CANNABIS LAW GROUP offers experienced and aggressive representation to the medical marijuana industry in Southern California– including growers, dispensaries and collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call 949-375-4734 for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Additional Resources:
Smoking pot for multiple sclerosis? Study finds it helps, By Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times

More Blog Entries:
Orange County Marijuana Lawyers Laud Patients’ Right Suit, April 12, 2012, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyers Blog