A doctor from Royal Melbourne Hospital’s neurology department in Australia has sought permission for conducting a trial for a marijuana-based mouth spray that will ease the symptoms and pain of multiple sclerosis sufferers. If, he is successful, this would be the first time marijuana is used legally for medicinal purposes in Australia.

Sativex, a spray manufactured by British firm Pharmaceuticals that specialises in the development of cannabis-based prescription medicines, has been used in Britain, Canada and Spain. Currently, it is being tested in the United States for treating MS symptoms, including relieving the pain of cancer patients.

Sativex uses cannabinoids, including other pharmacologically active components extracted from cannabis plants grown in secure glasshouses at a secret location in the UK. These cannabis- based substances have been classified as Schedule 9 under the Victorian drugs and poisons schedule.

However, there are some side-effects to Sativex, such as, sleepiness, nausea, and dizziness. Sativex, it is claimed helps alleviate pain and other MS debilitating symptoms like tremors, loss of movement control and bladder control. It has also been effective as a pain reliever in patients suffering rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathic pain.

The doctor is looking for both state and federal permission for using the mouth spray and has applied for approval from the hospital’s human research ethics committee.

While, state and commonwealth approval is necessary for the prescription of this medicine in this trial, the state can approve the drug prior to it getting commonwealth consent and Therapeutic Goods Administration approval.

Doctors to be able to prescribe the spray will have to provide, not only their qualifications, but also patient details, diagnosis and intended dosage.