Medical Research

Illustration shows connections between neurons. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by damage to the communication between nerve cells O Globo

It is myth that marijuana has benefits against the effects of progressive multiple sclerosis. The statement is of British researchers who conducted a large clinical study of 500 patients with the autoimmune disease, in which we tested the effects of the active ingredient of the plant, tetraidrocanabiol (THC, its acronym in English). The exception, scientists ponder is for patients who present to a lesser degree among the degrees of damage caused by the disease.

The study was published in the journal "The Lancet Neurology", one of the most respected in the scientific world. Patients from 26 centers reported disease across the UK were studied for eight years. The volunteers were divided into two groups: the received capsules containing THC and the other received the same capsule but without the substance. No patient know if the pill or had not received THC and all the capsules for three years.

In general, the study found no evidence to support an effect of THC on the progression of multiple sclerosis in the search result page. However, there was some evidence to suggest a beneficial effect in participants who were at the lower end of the scale of disability at baseline, but, as the benefit was only found in a small group of people, not the whole group, more studies are needed to assess the robustness of this result.

The current treatments for MS are limited, so when intended for the immune system in the early stages of the disease and on specific symptoms such as muscle spasms, fatigue and bladder problems, said Professor John Zajicek of clinical neurosciences at the University of Plymouth.

- There is currently no treatment available to slow the effects of multiple sclerosis when she becomes progressive. Laboratory experiments have suggested that some cannabis derivatives may be neuroproterores. Our study did not confirm the discoveries made in the laboratory, although there is some evidence of benefit than those in the lowest point on the scale of evolution, there is little evidence to suggest that THC has a long term impact in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis.

The progressive form is one of the subtypes of multiple sclerosis. The most common form is the relapsing-remitting MS, characterized by recurrent episodes that last days or weeks and then disappear.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth and funded by the Medical Research Council, the UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, from the same country and managed by the British Institute of Health Research

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