Pruritus Research

[Medical Marijuana]

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A review of the scientific literature reveals three clinical trials investigating the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of pruritus. Writing in the August 2002 issue of the American Journal of Gastroentrology, investigators from the University of Miami Department of Medicine reported successful treatment of pruritus with 5 mg of THC in three patients with cholestatic liver disease.[1] Prior to cannabinoid therapy, subjects had failed to respond to standard medications and had lost their ability to work. Following evening cannabinoid administration, all three patients reported a decrease in pruritus, as well as "marked improvement" in sleep and were eventually able to return to work. Resolution of depression was also reported in two out of three subjects. "Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may be an effective alternative in patients with intractable cholestatic pruritus," investigators concluded.

The following year, British researchers reported in the June 2003 issue of the journal Inflammation Research that the peripheral administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist HU-211 significantly reduced experimentally-induced itch in 12 subjects.[2] Investigators had previously reported that topical application of HU-210 on human skin reduced experimentally-induced pain and acute burning sensations.[3]

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The authour:

For patients and their physicians, let this report serve as a primer for those who are considering using or recommending medicinal cannabis. For others, let this report serve as an introduction to the broad range of emerging clinical applications for cannabis and its various compounds.

Paul Armentano
Deputy Director
NORML | NORML Foundation
Washington, DC
January 24, 2008

* The author would like to acknowledge Drs. Dale Gieringer, Gregory Carter, Steven Karch, and Mitch Earleywine, as well as NORML interns John Lucy, Christopher Rasmussen, and Rita Bowles, for providing research assistance for this report. The NORML Foundation would also like to acknowledge Dale Gieringer, Paul Kuhn, and Richard Wolfe for their financial contributions toward the publication of this report.

** Important and timely publications such as this are only made possible when concerned citizens become involved with NORML. For more information on joining NORML or making a donation, please visit: NORML / Take Action / Join NORML(Secure). Tax deductible donations in support of NORML's public education campaigns should be made payable to the NORML Foundation.

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