Mechoulam Called for Cannabis Clinical Trials, Noting the UK and US Took Opposite Positions on MS Research
In a commentary, endocannabinoid discoverer Raphael Mechoulam noted that the British Medical Association recommended cannabis clinical trials for MS while the US National MS Society did not support such use, highlighting a transatlantic divide.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Raphael Mechoulam, who first synthesized THC and later co-discovered the endocannabinoid system, responded to a cannabis health review with specific concern about the therapeutic dimension.
He highlighted a notable divergence between British and American medical authorities on cannabis for multiple sclerosis. The British Medical Association "strongly recommended carefully controlled trials of cannabinoids in patients with chronic spastic disorders which have not responded to other drugs" and stated such trials "merit a high priority." In contrast, the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society did not support cannabis use for MS.
Mechoulam expressed regret that the reviewed paper did not revisit the therapeutic aspects of cannabis, noting it would be valuable to hear analysis of the "medical marijuana" debate, the relative clinical advantages of marijuana versus THC, and the specific question of cannabis in MS, which patients were already widely using.
Key Numbers
British Medical Association recommended "high priority" for cannabis clinical trials in spastic disorders. US National MS Society did not support cannabis use.
How They Did This
Published commentary by Raphael Mechoulam responding to a health review article, drawing on his expertise as a pioneer of cannabinoid chemistry and endocannabinoid discovery.
Why This Research Matters
Coming from the scientist who first synthesized THC and co-discovered anandamide, this commentary carried unique authority. His call for clinical trials, particularly for MS, helped validate patient experiences and push for the research that eventually led to nabiximols (Sativex).
The Bigger Picture
The transatlantic divide Mechoulam highlighted foreshadowed the different trajectories of cannabis medicine in the UK and US. The UK would approve nabiximols (Sativex) for MS spasticity before the US, partly because the British medical establishment was more receptive to cannabinoid research from this earlier period.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
A brief commentary rather than a systematic analysis. Reflects one scientist's perspective, though from a uniquely authoritative voice in the field.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why did UK and US medical authorities reach different conclusions about cannabis and MS?
- ?Did the recommended clinical trials eventually happen?
- ?How has the transatlantic divide on medical cannabis evolved since 1998?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- British Medical Association called for "high priority" cannabis trials while the US MS Society opposed use
- Evidence Grade:
- A published commentary by a leading authority in the field. Provides expert perspective rather than original research.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1998. Nabiximols (Sativex) was later approved for MS spasticity in the UK and many other countries, vindicating Mechoulam's call for trials.
- Original Title:
- Comment on 'Health aspects of cannabis: revisited' (Hollister).
- Published In:
- The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 1(1), 83-85 (1998)
- Authors:
- Mechoulam, R.(10), Golan, D.
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00073
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Did clinical trials for MS happen?
Yes. The trials Mechoulam called for eventually took place, leading to the development and approval of nabiximols (Sativex) for MS spasticity in multiple countries.
Why did the UK and US disagree?
The British Medical Association was willing to recommend trials based on available evidence and patient reports, while the US National MS Society took a more conservative position. Cultural and regulatory differences likely contributed.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00073APA
Mechoulam, R.; Golan, D.. (1998). Comment on 'Health aspects of cannabis: revisited' (Hollister).. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 1(1), 83-85.
MLA
Mechoulam, R., et al. "Comment on 'Health aspects of cannabis: revisited' (Hollister).." The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 1998.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Comment on 'Health aspects of cannabis: revisited' (Holliste..." RTHC-00073. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/mechoulam-1998-comment-on-health-aspects
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.