Researchers at Yale Medical School (USA) analyzed the results of 79 clinical trials on the use of cannabinoids for the following indications: nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, appetite stimulation in HIV / AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia, depression, anxiety disorder, sleep disturbances, psychosis, glaucoma or Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.
The results of their study showed that cannabinoids may be effective in treating chronic neuropathic pain and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.
In contrast, scientists have not been convinced by the effectiveness of this type of treatment for nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and for improving the condition of people with insomnia or Tourette’s syndrome.
Increased risk of side effects
Cannabinoids have been associated with an increased risk of short-term side effects.
Researchers have found that the most common are dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, euphoria, vomiting, disorientation, confusion, loss of balance, and hallucinations.
“There would be a need for extensive, robust clinical trials to confirm the effects of cannabinoids, as well as additional research to evaluate the cannabis plant itself as there is little scientific data describing its effects,” the authors explain. of the study.
Medicinal cannabis in France
Already authorized in several countries, therapeutic cannabis can now be used in the composition of medicines in France. Indeed, the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) has given the marketing authorization (AMM) for medicines containing “cannabis and its derivatives”. A therapeutic use of this plant “for certain well-defined patients and according to very supervised procedures. Neither self-cultivation nor artisanal products are authorized, ”the decree clearly specifies.
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