The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

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  • Recent Comments

    Safety report on cannabis oral spray

    A spray has been developed from the major components of marijuana (cannabis), including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in alcohol. The formulation is sprayed under the tongue or in the cheek to relieve pain in multiple sclerosis.

    This small study examined effects on the mucus membrane of the mouth.

    First, the details.

    • 9 patients with MS using the marijuana spray for at least 4 weeks participated in the study
    • The mucus membrane of the mouth was evaluated (no biopsy).
    • And they were asked if they had any symptoms from using the spray.
    • Those with mucosal lesions were advised to stop the spray and return to the clinic after 4 weeks for re-examination.

    And, the results.

    • Of 9 patients invited to participate, 8 attended.
    • All admitted to a stinging sensation associated with the cannabis spray.
    • 4 had visible white wounds in the floor of the mouth.

    The bottom line?
    The researchers concluded, “The white lesions observed were almost certainly burns, resolving or improving on discontinuation of use of the medication.”

    They believe that the high alcohol concentration of the spray was responsible, and this raises concern for long-term use.

    It’s not clear if this is the same product discussed earlier here.

    8/22/07 10:11 JR

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