The actor Patrick Stewart, best known- depending on your age- for his roles in the X-men series or the first Star Trek films, recently made a statement praising an Oxford University initiative that is currently exploring the benefits of cannabis as medicine. You see, the 76-year-old has arthritis and cannabis is helping him to cope like nothing else ever has.
He explained:
“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. This, it would seem, is a genetically-based condition. My mother had badly distorted and painful hands.”
He purchased a couple different products and found that using a cannabis spray throughout the day helped his thumb joints, “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.”
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Stewart reports that he’s had no negative side effects (of course) and that the alternative, taking NSAID’s, Advil, Aleve, and Naproxen- known to be harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux- wasn’t an option he wanted to consider. He went on to say, “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 program of research might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others.”
We totally agree.
Thankfully, marijuana for medical purposes is legal in 28 of US states, where it can be prescribed to treat a number of conditions and illnesses. Although it is not currently legal in the UK, it’s medical use goes largely unenforced.
For more information about where medical marijuana is legal, click here to search the interactive map.
Source: The Hook Mag
