{"id":28369,"date":"2023-08-03T08:29:18","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T07:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannabishealthnews.co.uk\/?p=28369"},"modified":"2023-08-03T08:29:20","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T07:29:20","slug":"new-cannabis-studies-als-epilepsy-parkinsons-chronic-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannabishealthnews.co.uk\/2023\/08\/03\/new-cannabis-studies-als-epilepsy-parkinsons-chronic-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Five new cannabis studies – ALS, epilepsy, Parkinson\u2019s, chronic pain and blood pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"
While more studies are needed, new findings indicate potential for cannabis as a tool to manage symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis<\/span> (ALS )- or motor neurone disease – Parkinson’s<\/a>, epilepsy<\/a> and chronic pain<\/a>. Meanwhile, researchers also suggest that a history of cannabis use may not be associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Read on to take a closer look at the research.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Researchers in France carried out what is thought to be the first large-scale study exploring the \u2018real-life\u2019 experiences of patients using cannabis to manage symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis<\/span> (ALS).<\/span><\/p>\n ALS, also known as motor neurone or <\/span>Lou Gehrig’s Disease <\/span>disease, is a rare neurological condition leading to loss of muscle control and eventual paralysis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Over 20% of survey respondents admitted to using cannabis, the majority of which used CBD and\/or what the authors describe as \u2018cannabis weed\u2019. Patients reported benefits in both motor (rigidity, cramps, fasciculations) and non-motor (sleep quality, pain, emotional state, quality of life, depression) symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n The authors conclude: \u201c<\/span>The findings support the need for further research on the potential benefits of cannabis use for the management of ALS motor and non-motor symptoms. Cannabinoids could be an important addition to the spectrum of treatment options for ALS symptoms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Read more\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A recent observational study adds to the growing evidence base to support the safety and efficacy of CBD in the treatment of epilepsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Researchers evaluated the experiences of 42 patients who had received a prescription for CBD. Results showed that 29% of participants experienced a reduction in <\/span>seizure frequency of more than 80% and 23% saw a reduction of more than 30%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The authors conclude: \u201cCBD was a safe and effective therapeutic option for highly drug-resistant patients, leading to a dramatic reduction in seizure frequency in over one-fourth of them, including off-label indications.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Read more\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n An oral spray containing CBD and THC was found to produce clinically significant reductions in chronic back and neck pain.<\/span><\/p>\n Researchers in Australia assessed the safety and efficacy of an oromucosal spray containing 10mg THC and 25mg CBD in 28 patients with moderate to severe back or neck pain who were unresponsive to over-the-counter non-opioid analgesics. <\/span>They found that patients experienced a reduction in pain even at the lowest dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere were significant reductions in pain [at] all doses,\u201d the authors concluded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere was also a reduction in pain interference in all domains including general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relationships, sleep, and enjoyment of life by dose.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Read more here\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Researchers in the US have concluded that a history of cannabis use is not associated with <\/span>an increased risk of either high blood pressure or hypertension.<\/span><\/p>\n They assessed the relationship between cannabis consumption and blood pressure\/hypertension in a nationally representative sample of nearly 10,000 middle-aged adults. The authors determined that those with a history of using cannabis for the past year had no higher risk of either high blood pressure or hypertension as compared to non-users.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n They conclude: \u201c<\/span>The lack of association found in the present study contributes to the observational evidence suggesting frequent cannabis use over decades may not be associated with increased blood pressure or hypertension in middle aged US adults.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Read more\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In a bid to better understand the effects of CBD and THC in Parkinson\u2019s disease, researchers compared the experiences of patients prescribed <\/span>CBD\/THC treatment with others not taking any.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even in a small sample there was a wide variation in the products and administration methods being used, as well as the perceived effects.<\/span><\/p>\n Individuals who were taking CBD\/THC had lower scores on a scale of cognitive impairment but \u2018no detectable differences\u2019 in more specific neuropsychological measures. They also had more non-motor symptoms, but no differences in motor symptom levels. Some also reported improved pain levels, sleep, and reductions in anxiety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nALS patients report benefits from cannabis\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
CBD leads to \u2018dramatic reduction\u2019 in epileptic seizures <\/b><\/h4>\n
Cannabis reduces chronic pain levels – even at low doses<\/b><\/h4>\n
Cannabis \u2018not associated\u2019 with increased risk of high blood pressure\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
Effects of CBD and THC in Parkinson\u2019s patients<\/b><\/h4>\n
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