Medical Marijuana ProCon.org HOME | CLOSE

-
1. Name: Sonia Ständer, MD
2. Title: Lecturer, Clinical Neurodermatology, University of Münster, Germany
3. Medical Marijuana
Position:		 No position found to the question "Should marijuana be a medical option?"
4. Reasoning:

"BACKGROUND: Chronic, therapy-resistant pruritus often fails to respond to standard measures so new therapeutic approaches are needed. Recently, the expression of cannabinoid receptors on cutaneous sensory nerve fibers was described, so cannabinoid agonists seem a rational therapeutic option for pruritus...

RESULTS: In 14/22 patients a good antipruritic effect could be documented. The average reduction in itch was 86.4%. The therapy was well-tolerated by all patients; neither burning burn nor contact dermatitis was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical cannabinoid agonists represent a new effective and well-tolerated therapy for refractory itching of various origins. Creams with a higher concentration may be even more effective with broader indications." ("Topical Cannabinoid Agonists: An Effective New Possibility for Treating Chronic Pruritus" [Article in German], Hautarzt 7/06)
5. Credibility
Ranking:

Key Experts
Physicians [We believe physicians are the "key experts" in the medical marijuana debate because the issue is thought by many to be ultimately based on the medical value and risks of marijuana, and Physicians, with their training and clinical work, should (at least in theory) have the best knowledge of marijuana's medical value and risks]

6. Involvement:
  • Lecturer, Clinical Neurodermatology, University of Münster, Germany
  • Specialist, Dermatohistology, Immunohistology, Immunofluorescence, Electron Microscopy, University of Münster, Germany
7. Education:
  • M.D., School unknown
8. Relevant Affiliations/Honors:
  • Vice President, International Forum for the Study of Itch
  • Member, German Dermatology Society (DDG)
  • Member, International Society of Dermatopathology (ISD)
  • Member, Society for Cutaneous Ultrastructural Research (SCUR)
9. Contact Info:
Phone: +49-251-83-56501 Fax: +49-251-83-56522
E-Mail:   sonja.staender@uni-muenster.de
Web Site: None found
10. Other: Select Publications:
  • Co-author, "Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) on Sensory Nerve Fibers and Adnexal Structures in Human Skin," Journal of Dermatological Science 2005, 38(3): 177-88
  • Author, "Pruritis--Symptom of Both Skin and Systemic Diseases," [Article in German] MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 2005, 147(19):44-6
  • Co-author, "Expression of Vanilloid Receptor Subtype 1 in Cutaneous Sensory Nerve Fibers, Mast Cells, and Epithelial Cells of Appendage Structures," Experimental Dermatology 2004, 13(3): 129-39
  • Co-author, "Modern Aspects of Cutaneous Neurogenic Inflammation," Archives of Dermatology 2003, 139(11): 1479-88
HOME | CLOSE