United Kingdom. Two clinical trials to evaluate the effect of cannabis in treating acute pain and muscle spasticity are to begin recruiting soon.

The trial in acute pain will test the analgesic properties of cannabinoids with a view to reducing morphine dosage in patients with postoperative pain. The trial will include posttonsillectomy or abdominal surgery patients.

The second trial will involve patients with multiple sclerosis with spasticity in at least two muscle groups.

Since the initial announcement of the granting of licences for research into medical uses of cannabis, the House of Lords has published a report recommending the legalization of cannabis for medical use.

[See also Pharmaceuticals Newsletter Nos. 11&12, November & December 1998]

References:

1) The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 262, p. 69, 16 January 1999.
2) The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 262, p. 760, 14 November 1998.