'Medical marijuana is not effective for everybody' - Researchers find

onnaedo

June 24, 2015 4:20 PM

After reviewing 80 randomized trials that included nearly 6,500 people, researchers found moderate support for using marijuana to treat chronic pain and muscle spasms and involuntary movements.

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Looks like medical marijuana may not be the answer to certain medical woes after all as research has found that it is not as effective for every patient.

It was also found not to be as effective in treating nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, sleep disorders, HIV-related weight loss and Tourette syndrome.

The study author's lead also pointed out that any marijuana benefits must be weighed against the risk of side effects, which include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, sleepiness and euphoria.

Furthermore, it was found that prolonged use may be tied to an increased risk of psychosis.

Said Penny Whiting of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust in the UK,

"Individuals considering cannabinoids as a possible treatment for their symptoms should discuss the potential benefits and harms with their doctor,"

According to review co-author, "If the primary process by which medications are approved for 'medical' use in the US is the (Food and Drug Administration) approval process, then the evidence for many conditions does not meet the existing threshold of evidence,"

The study also found labelling to be a challenge with medical marijuana as vast majority of products contained more or less of the active ingredients than the label indicated.

Thus, co-author Dr. Deepak Cyril D’Souza said patients may have to experiment with different types of marijuana to achieve the desired effects.

As of March 2015, 23 states in the United States and the District of Columbia allow marijuana use for medical purposes.

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