Canadian cannabis producer Tilray Inc. announced today that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has approved the company’s request to import capsules of CBD and THC into the U.S. to be used for research at UC San Diego, in a press release.
The encapsulated cannabinoids are being imported to study Essential Tremor, a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable shaking. 0.4% of the general population suffers from Essential Tremor, and 4.6% to 6.3% of those 65 and older suffer from the condition. Current treatments for the condition are often derived from paralytics. The condition is even occasionally treated with Botox. Serious side effects and intolerance of the existing treatments are common.
Medical cannabis, which has been shown to help with many seizure disorders and other degenerative neurological disorders, will most likely be a much safer treatment.
The study is led by Dr. Fatta Nahab, neurologist and Director of the Functional Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disorders Lab at UC San Diego.
“It’s exciting to advance our work in this area by conducting a first-of-its kind trial of purified medicinal cannabis for a common neurological disorder like essential tremor. Until now patients have been on their own to figure out the efficacy, safety, and dosing of cannabinoids. This trial should help answer many of these critical questions.” — Dr. Fatta Nahab, in the release
Tilray’s stock climbed 11% in early trading this morning following the press release.