Munich, Germany: The administration of cannabinoid-infused oils containing THC and CBD is associated with symptomatic improvements in patients with myotonic dystrophy, according to clinical data published in the Journal of Neurology. Myotonic dystrophy occurs in adulthood and is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness.
German researchers assessed the administration of CBD/THC oil over four weeks in six patients with treatment-resistant myotonia and myalgia.
They reported, “All patients reported an improvement of myotonia, especially in weeks three and four of treatment.”
Authors concluded, “These first empirical results suggest a potentially beneficial role of CBD/THC in alleviating myotonia and should encourage further research in this field including a randomized-controlled trial on larger cohorts.”
Researchers associated with a US-based pharmaceutical company have identified similar clinical observations and are also seeking to commence randomized patient trials.
For more information, contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director. Full text of the study, “A role for cannabinoids in the treatment of myotonia? Report of compassionate use in a small cohort of patients” appears in the Journal of Neurology.