cannabisnews.com: Cannabinoids in Pain Management Cannabinoids in Pain Management Posted by FoM on November 26, 2001 at 17:03:56 PT By Ethan Russo M.D. Source: British Medical Journal Campbell et al's paper on whether cannabinoids are effective and safe in the management of pain purports to be qualitative and systematic, but it is neither. Because it focused on two clinically questionable synthetic cannabinoids and oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without providing any focus on the synergistic components of herbal cannabis, and examined only certain facets of the broad topic of pain, it ensured that a conclusion of limited efficacy was reached. That is not news. What is surprising, in contrast, is that the authors chose to broaden the alleged impact of their limited investigation to relegate the use of cannabis and cannabinoids to a back seat in future analgesic applications. This contention is not supported by their limited data. I see nothing published about pioneering British doctors and their clinical successes with cannabis extracts in a myriad of painful conditions between 1840 and 1940. I see virtually nothing of modern scientific studies showing the multifactorial benefits of cannabis on a range of neurotransmitter systems, which I have reviewed. No mention is made of bureaucratic and political obstructions to clinical research into cannabis; one cannot show results when the requisite studies are not permitted. Thus until recently we have been left with an overwhelming (but ignored) body of anecdotal evidence from patients and their doctors. What is truly newsworthy here is that the BMJ has ignored peer review and editorial standards in a scandalous manner. The popular media have seized the opportunity, and in the process valuable laboratory and clinical research, and their funding, in analgesia and pain control have been severely compromised. Great shame accrues to the journal as a result. Instead of probity we have propaganda. Ethan Russo, clinical assistant professor, University of Washington School of Medicine. Montana Neurobehavioral Specialists, 900 North Orange Street, Missoula, MT 59802, USA -- erusso blackfoot.netCompeting interests: Professor Russo has been a scientific adviser to GW Pharmaceuticals (a manufacturer of cannabis-based medicine extracts), which has reimbursed expenses for travel with regard to visits and clinical research. He is also the editor in chief of Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. Note: Study was bound to conclude that cannabinoids had limited efficacy. Click the link to read the complete article -- http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/drr.htmSource: British Medical Journal (UK) Author: Ethan Russo M.D.Published: November 24, 2001Copyright: 2001 The British Medical JournalContact: bmj bmj.com Website: http://www.bmj.com/Related Articles:Treatments: A Closer Look At Medical Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10324.shtmlResearch Casts Doubt on Cannabis Benefits http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10231.shtmlCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #5 posted by Jose Melendez on November 27, 2001 at 04:53:35 PT: what up doc I understand Professor Dan B. is a PhD... www.narcosoft.com [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 26, 2001 at 21:35:30 PT Just a Pat On The Back I must say how much I appreciate Dr. Russo. He is kind and is working so hard. I feel very lucky that when he isn't busy he always leaves us with interesting and productive words. I never thought we'd have a Doctor in the house but we do and I really appreciate his work and his vision. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Rainbow on November 26, 2001 at 19:40:41 PT email address The email address in my last post was returned. I tried a different one in a different article and it has not been returned yet.fiona.campbell mail.qmcuh-tr.trent.nhs.ukThe difference it seems is the .co before .uk is not present.It is fun to read the responses and letter she is gettting at the journal site.Rainbow [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Rainbow on November 26, 2001 at 19:13:57 PT campbell et al Thanks Dr. Russo.I sent Fiona a letter of my anecdotal research. Her email address isfiona.campbell mail.qmcuk-tr.trent.nhs.co.uk I found it at the BMI website. I did a search on campbell and found the article and responses. Not too many in favor of her brand of research. Also she took the good Dr. Russo to task on the peer review question. Apparently she says it was peer reviewed. I suggest others help this lady out. She is the one who said that each time you smoke a joint you loose 50% of you memory cells. So if you smoke 4 joints you are not going to remember much I would take it. I asked her about the quote but as you would suspect she can not provide the scientific fact.Cheers, Rainbow [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by lookinside on November 26, 2001 at 18:22:14 PT: way to go... dr. russo... the study you blasted was probably funded by the U.S. guvmint and it's accomplices...(we all know who they are..follow the money...) [ Post Comment ] Post Comment