United Kingdom: The MS Society calls for the legalization of cannabis for multiple sclerosis

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a UK not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making life easier for patients with multiple sclerosis. She wants patients to be able to use therapeutic cannabis without being persecuted.

10,000 people in the UK suffer from multiple sclerosis. Disease experts regularly voice their concerns to UK ministers, particularly about patients who self-medicate by sourcing their product from the black market.

Cannabis to replace painkillers

Genevieve Edwards, Director of External Affairs for the MS Society confides: «We think than cannabis should be legalized for medical use so that people with multiple sclerosis can relieve their pain and muscle spasms when other treatments haven't worked».

The benefits of therapeutic cannabis have recognized by the UK government. He had announced that certain cannabis products could be considered medicine, a solid reason for the government to relax the ban.

«The level of clinical evidence to support the use of cannabis for medical purposes is inconclusive,» she related. «But there is sufficient evidence for our medical advisors to say that given the balance of probabilities, cannabis could benefit many people with multiple sclerosis suffering from muscle pain and spasms.»

Patients turn to illegal cannabis to treat their symptoms

MS Society calls on NHS trustees to issue Sativex, Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine, should be available on prescription throughout the UK. At present, Wales is the only country in the UK to supply Sativex as a mouth spray.

The spokeswoman also said that in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, patients are turning to «illegal forms of cannabis as alternatives» due to the inability to access Sativex. «This becomes very risky because by sourcing cannabis on the black market, you're not sure of the quality or dosage of what you're buying,» reminds Genevieve Edwards.

According to a Society survey, one in 5 patients reported using cannabis illegally to treat themselves. A quarter (26%) stopped using cannabis for fear of criminal prosecution. Another quarter (26%) considered trying cannabis, but did not for the same reason. The latter were also concerned about the reliability of cannabis used for therapeutic purposes.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas commented: «The MS Society's new position is a great step forward for multiple sclerosis patients, who could benefit from the advantages of medicinal cannabis. However, by criminalizing cannabis, the government is driving multiple sclerosis patients to acquire medicines illegally, putting them in a position to be prosecuted when they are simply seeking to ease their pain.».