Pharmaceutical Press publishes book on the therapeutic use of cannabis-based
medicines
 A new book on the therapeutic use of cannabis-based medicines is now available from the Pharmaceutical Press (the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's publishing arm).
‘The medicinal uses of cannabis and cannabinoids’ reviews
the development of cannabis-based medicines and their applications in
a wide range of
therapeutic areas. It has a particular focus on the research, development
and clinical trial results behind Sativex, the cannabis-based medicinal
extract developed by GW Pharmaceuticals for the relief of chronic pain
in multiple sclerosis sufferers (currently under review by the Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
The book also covers the history of cannabis use, its growth and morphology,
the discovery and pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors in mammalian
tissues, the development and use of synthetic cannabinoids, and the legal
and forensic aspects of cannabis within the international community.
Further chapters explore the research into the basic science of cannabis
and cannabinoids and highlight possible applications of cannabis extracts
in treating epilepsy, schizophrenia and bladder dysfunction and as broad-spectrum
relief agents in patients with AIDS or cancer.
The book has been edited by Geoffrey W. Guy (executive chairman, GW Pharmaceuticals),
Philip J. Robson (senior research fellow, department of psychiatry, Oxford
University, and medical director, GW Pharmaceuticals) and Brian A. Whittle
(scientific director, GW Pharmaceuticals).
Tony Moffat, the Society’s chief scientist, said: “This publication
demonstrates the scientific credentials of cannabis and cannabinoids
as medicines. It is hoped that the evidence presented will help to change
the attitude of health professionals towards cannabis-based medicines
and enable the international legislative change required to allow further
collaborative research into prescription medicines.”
The 512-page hardback book costs £39.95. Orders can be placed with
Pharmaceutical Press Customer Services (tel 01491 829272; fax 01491 829292;
e-mail rpsgb@cabi.org) or through the Pharmaceutical Press website
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