Nail-patella syndrome
Nail-patella syndrome is a rare genetic disorder involving the bones, joints, and connective tissue. Patients may have problems due to limitation of joint mobility, dislocation or both, especially at the elbow and knee where osteoarthritis may eventually occur. Nail-patella patients are also at increased risk for glaucoma and kidney problems.
Medical marijuana helps relieve the associated pain. Recent evidence suggests that glaucoma is also part of Nail Patella Syndrome.
While there is a lack of controlled research on marijuana and nail-patella, one of the three patients who still receive medical marijuana from the federal government – George McMahon – suffers from the condition, and his case is described in the one study of these patients that has been published. This article notes: “On May 10, 2000, a letter to FDA noted the patient continued to do well on the therapy, smoking 8-10 cigarettes per day without other medication. He continued to function well using a cane and occasionally a wheelchair when bothered by
spasms and nausea. At present, he utilizes about 7 grams a day or 1/4 ounce of NIDA material that is 3.75% THC.
He indicates that he has been short on his supply 3 times in 10 years, generally for 1-2 weeks, secondary to lack of supply or paperwork problems. When this occurs he suffers more nausea and muscle spasms and is less active as a consequence.”
References
(1) E. Russo et al., “Chronic Cannabis Use in the Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program: An Examination of Benefits and Adverse Effects of Legal Clinical Cannabis,” Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics 2, no. 1 (2002): 3-57.
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON Marijuana Policy Project \ https://www.mpp.org/
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