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Cannabis-Derived Spray Expected to be Available in UK Soon

By Lindsay F. Wiley [Bio]

April 20, 2003 - The United Kingdom’s Medicines Control Agency is expected to approve the world’s first cannabis-based medication this summer, reports the Times of London. The drug, sativex, is an aerosol under-the-tongue spray produced by GW Pharmaceuticals. The spray has been found to alleviate pain and muscle spasms for multiple sclerosis patients. GW claims that the drug may also benefit patients with cancer, spinal cord injuries and severe nerve damage.

Sativex contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that causes the “high” sought by recreational users. British regulators have granted permission to GW to cultivate 40,000 marijuana plants at a secret location in southern England.

The Times reports that government ministers are planning to license the drug in part because of embarrassment over reports that some multiple sclerosis and cancer patients were using marijuana illegally to treat their symptoms. British officials deny that approval of the drug indicates willingness to decriminalize recreational marijuana use.