Award-winning British actor, Sir Patrick Stewart has revealed that he
uses medical marijuana to tackle the symptoms of arthritis.
In a statement to support a new initiative by Oxford University to
explore the benefits of cannabis-based medicines, the 76-year-old veteran
admitted that he himself, uses the cannabis-based spray, ointment and edible
marijuana.
“Two years ago, in
Los Angeles, I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal
permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products,
which I was advised might help the ortho-arthritis in both my hands,' said Sir
Patrick.
'This, it would seem,
is a genetically-based condition. My mother had badly distorted and painful
hands. I purchased an ointment, spray and edibles. The ointment, while
providing some relief from the discomfort, was too greasy to use during daytime
and so I only use it at night.'
He continued:
‘It helps with sleep
as the pain was reduced. The spray, however, is much more usable and I spray my
fingers and particularly my thumb joints several times a day. The spray very
quickly evaporates and leaves my hands quite dry, though with a slight burning
or tingling sensation, which is not unpleasant. I believe that the ointment and
spray have significantly reduced the stiffness and pain in my hands.'
I can make
fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment. I have had no
negative side effects from this treatment and the alternative would have been
to continue taking NSAID’s, Advil, Aleve and Naproxen, which are known to be
harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux.
This is an important
step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held
back by prejudice, fear and ignorance. I believe this programme of research
might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others,’
Sir Patrick added:
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