Cannabis Drug For MS Sufferers

The first licensed medical drug containing whole cannabis plant extracts has been launched to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sativex will be made widely available after it was approved by the medicines regulator last week. Taken as a mouth spray, it is used to help alleviate symptoms of spasticity - involuntary muscle stiffness and spasms - associated with MS and is said to be the first symptom relief drug specifically for those with the condition. It is the first cannabinoid medicine derived from whole plant extracts of the cannabis sativa plant, and is only the second cannabinoid drug to be licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Cannabis is a Class B drug and using it for medicinal purposes remains illegal in the UK. But doctors can prescribe Sativex to MS patients experiencing the spasms and cramping associated with spasticity.