Rheumatology Network Features Debate about Medical Marijuana for Rheumatologic Conditions

NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM Medica US announces that Rheumatology Network, a leading online community for Rheumatologists now features a debate about the validity of using medical marijuana to treat pain for rheumatologic conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. The issue is timely as legislators and courts in numerous states including Florida and New York are moving to legalize its use.

There is insufficient clinical evidence, most notably no randomized, controlled trials, to support the use of medical marijuana to relieve symptoms of rheumatologic disorders such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, maintains Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, MD and her coauthors from the McGill University Medical Centre in Montreal in the article "Eight Things Rheumatologists Should Know About Medical Marijuana." At the same time, they point out, there is solid evidence that marijuana impairs activities that rheumatologists are trying to help their patients preserve, including cognition and coordination.

The issue is not so clear, argues a comment to the article, contending that it would have been impossible to conduct sufficiently large and reputable clinical trials in the United States when the product under study has been illegal. The commenter also adds that relieving nausea is useful for patients who have that side effect from standard drugs used to treat rheumatologic conditions.

About UBM Medica US
Addressing today's healthcare information needs, UBM Medica US, delivers strategic, integrated communications solutions and comprehensive reach -- online, in print, via custom programs and live events. Improving the effectiveness of healthcare through information and education, UBM Medica US provides unbiased clinical, practical, and business information for physicians, providers and payers resulting in improved quality of care for patients around the world. Through journals, magazines, online communities, live and digital events, and other valuable resources, UBM Medica US also delivers comprehensive communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and related industries. Online communities include CancerNetwork.com, ConsultantLive.com, DiagnosticImaging.com, RheumatologyNetwork.com, OBGYN.net, PhysiciansPractice.com, PsychiatricTimes.com and SearchMedica.com. UBM Medica US is part of UBM Connect which, through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital – increases business effectiveness for both customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections.  Headquartered in New York, UBM Connect brings together UBM's healthcare business, UBM Medica US; UBM Canon's advanced design and manufacturing event, online and print brands; UBM Connect New York's catering, cruise shipping, customer management, and fine, specialty and custom chemical communities; and UBM Mexico's concrete show.  For more information, visit www.UBMMedicaUS.com.

About UBM plc
UBM plc is a global events-led marketing services and communications company.  We help businesses do business, bringing the world's buyers and sellers together at events and online, as well as producing and distributing news and specialist content.  Our 5,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into expert teams which serve commercial and professional communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.

For more information, go to www.ubm.com; follow us on Twitter at @UBM_plc to get the latest UBM corporate news.

Media contact:
Jason J. Golden
Content Marketing Manager
203-523-7040
[email protected]

SOURCE UBM Medica US

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