During his Logan tour, 76-year-old actor and X-Men legend Sir Patrick Stewart issued a supporting statement regarding the UK’s first initiative to explore the benefits of marijuana-based medicines.
The English actor admitted that he uses a cannabis-based ointment, spray and edible marijuana on a daily basis to help with the pain he has to endure because of severe arthritis.
“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. I purchased an ointment, spray and edibles.
The ointment, while providing some relief from the discomfort, was too greasy to use during daytime and so I only use it at night. It helps with sleep as the pain was reduced.”
Stewart said that while the cannabis-based ointment is not good for day-use, using the spray is extremely easy and has significantly reduced the pain in his hands.
“I can make fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment.”
The actor says he has not experienced any negative side effects from the use of marijuana, unlike the downsides of alternative drugs such as Advil, Aleve and Naproxen, which as Stewart points out, are ‘known to be harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux’.
Stewart believes Britian’s initiative is an important step in the right direction in the research of medical marijuana, adding that it has long been held back by preconception, fear and ignorance.
“I believe this program of research might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others.”
In the United States, 28 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, with 8 of those states making it legal for recreational use.
With many countries decriminalizing marijuana, or making it legal for patients to obtain the drug with a doctors prescription, will Britain be next?
h/t: Unilad
