LONDON (Reuters) British scientists are closer to developing drugs based on cannabis that will take away pain but also take away the “high”.

Researchers from Imperial College in London have separated cannabinoids, the active components of the popular the recreational drug, and shown that they act on both the brain and spinal cord.

The findings will allow scientists used receptors for cannabinoids on the spinal cord, particularly the areas concerned with pain processing.

By delivering drugs directly to the spinal cord to relieve pain they bypass the brain so there are no psychoactive effects.

New drugs based on cannabis are still years away but the findings are an important first step.

Source: Reuters Report July 2000.