Cannabis in Painful HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy
D.I. Abrams et al., "Cannabis in painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy," Neurology 68 (February 13, 2007): 515-521.
This University of California clinical trial demonstrates that smoked marijuana effectively relieves a chronic, painful nerve disorder which afflicts about 30% of HIV patients. Medications used to treat HIV-related nerve pain do not work for all individuals, interfere with antiviral HIV medications, have unacceptable side effects for some patients, or simply do not work very well. HIV-positive patients were assigned to dosages of either marijuana cigarettes or placebo marijuana with the THC removed. Marijuana provided significant relief, and side effects were mild and acceptable to patients.
Free abstract and full text available for a fee at: http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/7/515.
