National Registry to Support Cannabis Research for Multiple Sclerosis
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap] new initiative to list Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients who turn to medical cannabis into a new national registry has launched to help the scientific community better understand the plant’s effects and benefits.
The Lambert Center for the Study of Medical Cannabis and Hemp, based at Thomas Jefferson University, has a goal of registering 100,000 MS patients through mmj.org to create an evidence-based research source where patients can share outcomes with medical professionals. The center is part of Jefferson University’s Institute of Emerging Health Professions and is meant to close the gap between medical cannabis research and education.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system. It can be quickly debilitating and effects around 300,000 Americans, and an estimated 2.5 million across the world. There is no cure for MS and no identified cause.
The mmj.org website will be partnered with patient and healthcare organizations and medical cannabis dispensaries to recruit MS patients for the registry.
The director of The Lambert Center, Dr. Charles V. Pollack Jr. stated in a press release that there was evidence that cannabis helps manage some chronic pain, side effects of chemotherapy and some symptoms of MS, but more cannabis research is needed. “Millions of patients with chronic diseases are seeking health benefits from marijuana and various cannabinoids, and many are left to experiment with cannabis products on their own,” said Dr. Pollack Jr. “These patients and their caregivers not only deserve our support, but they can help advance scientific understanding by sharing their experiences in a research registry designed with rigor and scale. The mmj.org initiative aims to tackle complex issues related to medical marijuana. To achieve this we are focused on patient needs, rigorous science, and engagement of all stakeholders—patients, healthcare professionals and industry—critics and advocates alike.”
Cannabis has shown promise in MS patients with pain reduction, treating muscle spasticity and even helping them sleep better. Cannabis has also been indicated to help with the inflammation and gastrointestinal problems MS patients suffer.
