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Plans for extended
clinical trials of cannabis in Plymouth which it was hoped would
help sufferers of multiple sclerosis have been scrapped.
An application to the Multiple Sclerosis Society for a £150,00
of funding has been turned down.
The trials involve the use of cannabis to control the symptoms of
multiple sclerosis. They are led by Dr John Zajicek, a consultant
at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
Six hundred and sixty people including 99 from the Plymouth area
are taking part. Patients can only stay on the programme for 12
months.
Dr Zajicek applied
to the MS Society to pay for them to remain on the treatment until
the trials finish at the end of this year.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society told the BBC that the application
went through their usual process of rigorous scrutiny but they were
unhappy with certain elements.
They have now asked that it be resubmitted but that could mean a
delay of several months.
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Cannabis
was specially cultivated for the medical trials
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Researchers
say it would be pointless to resubmit for funding because it would
take too long and they would have missed a window of opportunity.
"I think
they've taken a very narrow minded view, I don't really think they
have taken the patients interests on board," said Dr Zajicek
"Only today I've been looking at some very angry letters from
patients who are very disappointed that they will have to come off
treatment at the end of the year."
He added: "Obviously I don't know what they've been taking
because it is a blind study but I assume they are taking something
that is helping them."
The original trials, costing nearly £1m, have been funded
by the Medical Research Council. They are due finish in December.
Each day is a struggle for Tony Watters who lives near Derriford.
He suffers from MS and has to deal with a range of symptoms.
He has difficulty controlling his limbs, has muscles spasms and
tires very easily.
Tony hasn't taken part in the trials. However, he says those who
have will be devastated if they have to stop.
"I think it is totally unfair," said Tony. "Psychologically
it will be a terrible blow because to be told sorry you cannot receive
this treatment anymore will be devastating."
An estimated 10,000 people use cannabis for medical reasons but
because the drug is illegal they are putting themselves at risk
of prosecution.
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