Researchers say cannabis can ease MS

Cannabis can help alleviate the crippling symptoms of multiple sclerosis, a study has found.

Despite earlier claims the drug does nothing to reduce muscle stiffness, new research shows it could have beneficial effects in both the short and long term.

Dr John Zajicek, from the Peninsula Medical School in Devon, told the British Association Festival of Science in Exeter: "In the short-term study there was evidence of cannabinoids alleviating symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

"In the longer-term study there is a suggestion of a more useful beneficial effect, which was not clear at the initial stage."

The Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis Research project's original 15-week study, published in The Lancet last year, showed patients found cannabinoid compounds helpful in managing chronic symptoms of MS. But independent checks revealed no evidence

of reduction in muscle stiffness. The new study suggests these doubts may have been premature.

The report comes only a few days after the death of MS sufferer Elizabeth Ivol, 56, who fought a court battle to be allowed to use cannabis to ease her pain.